Heat Wave : PSAJK objects to summer break extension, proposes early timings

Srinagar, July 5: Amid the ongoing heatwave across Jammu and Kashmir, the Private Schools’ Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has strongly appealed to the government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, not to extend the summer vacation further. Instead, the association has proposed that schools operate from 6:00 am to 11:00 am to ensure that students’ learning is not disrupted.As per a statement issued here, PSAJK President G.N. Var said: “Our students have already lost almost three months due to the long winter vacation. If we extend the summer break again, it will be impossible to complete the syllabus before exams, which are scheduled in October.”He emphasised that the current academic session is already under pressure, and any further loss of teaching days would negatively affect syllabus completion, exam preparation and students’ overall academic performance.  “Many students are also preparing for competitive exams. Every teaching day matters now. We must act responsibly and give our children more learning time, not less,” Var said. He further argued that early morning classes are a practical and safer alternative, allowing children to study during cooler hours and avoid exposure to intense afternoon heat.  “Instead of closing schools, let us change the timing. Many hot-weather regions in India and abroad already follow early morning classes during summer months. It works well and can be easily implemented in Jammu and Kashmir too.” The PSAJK also noted that several schools, both rural and urban, have already lost valuable instructional time due to extreme weather, power outages, and infrastructure challenges. “We cannot afford any more breaks. Time is short and students are already behind. We must use the available days wisely,” he said and reiterated that children’s education must not be treated casually. The association stressed that the issue goes beyond the heatwave—it directly impacts the learning and future of students.  “We need to look ahead and find smart solutions before problems become bigger,” Var said. “Acting early is always better than waiting for things to get worse.” He said PSAJK and all private schools in Jammu and Kashmir are fully prepared to cooperate with the government in implementing early school timings.