Academic session change: Govt to seek public input: Edu minister

Srinagar, Oct 21: The government will review and seek suggestions from parents and students regarding the academic session, which was changed from October to March a few years ago, said Cabinet Minister for Education Sakina Masood Itoo on Monday.
The minister made these remarks after attending the JK Science Congress 2024 at Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar.
“Let us begin the work. We will review the department and then decide. We will put it in the public domain. We will take suggestions from people, especially parents and students, and then decide on the next steps,” the minister said in response to a question about the academic session change.
The Cabinet Minister also addressed infrastructure issues in schools and colleges, saying, “This is a very challenging task at the moment.”
She further commented on the overall challenges in various sectors: “The health sector, education sector, and even social welfare are facing significant difficulties. The system has not been in place for 10 years. There is a need to fix it, but it is not impossible. We have faith and hope. It is not impossible. We will try. We will work with sincerity for the people.”
Regarding complaints that the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) has become a nightmare for students pursuing courses across India, she said, “This is a very important issue. I have received notice about it. I am reviewing the situation with the education department, and I will address it. We will examine everything thoroughly and take all necessary steps.”
Notably, the J&K government, back in 2022, ordered a change in the academic session, shifting the annual exams from October to March. The decision was widely criticized, although the government said it was to align J&K’s academic calendar with the National Academic Calendar.