Srinagar, Nov 20: Amid severe cold, parents in Kashmir have urged the government to announce winter vacations for school-going children especially primary schools.
Feroz Ahmad, a parent from Srinagar said the government should announce winter vacations for school children particularly for the students of lower classes.
“The winter has already set in. The temperature is down. Children in both urban and rural areas are experiencing severe cold when they leave for schools in the morning,” he said.
Yasmeena Bano, a parent from Budgam district said that she has two children who are currently studying in government schools in the lower classes.
She highlighted the issue of low temperatures during morning and evening hours, which is causing discomfort for the students. “The schools lack proper heating arrangements, making it difficult for the students in the lower grades to tolerate the cold wave.”
She emphasized the need for the government to take immediate action and announce summer vaccinations for students up to the 5th standard. This would provide relief to the students and protect them from the harsh cold weather.
Dr Suhail Naik, Assistant Professor New Children Hospital GMC Srinagar during morning and evening hours there is dense fog which may affect the school going children especially of lower classes.
“The dip in temperature causes respiratory illnesses. Children are exposed to immunity issues. School going children often complain of headaches in morning hours,” he said.
In recent days, temperatures in various locations across Kashmir have dropped below the usual levels, posing a challenge for school children who are contending with the harsh cold.
An official from the Director of School Education Kashmir ( DSEK) informed the Rising Kashmir that they are closely monitoring the weather conditions. If the weather in Kashmir does not remain favorable, the school education department will make appropriate decisions regarding the winter vaccination for the lower classes across the Kashmir valley.
Meanwhile, the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has asked the government to announce the winter vacation for schools, especially for lower classes on a priority basis, due to minus temperatures and foggy conditions.
