Srinagar: Education Minister Sakina Ittoo has announced that winter vacations will proceed as scheduled this year, despite changes in the academic calendar, which saw annual examinations being conducted in October and November instead of March.
Speaking to reporters here, she highlighted the challenges faced by students due to the cold weather and called for an early start to winter vacations to alleviate their difficulty.
“Winter vacation is a routine exercise. The academic calendar was changed from the March session to Nov-Dec, We want students to join another class after concluding the examination, and winter vacation will start. Due to dry weather, the cold has intensified; I guess more than Chilakalan,” she said. The Education Minister also addressed concerns regarding private school practices and urged parents facing issues, including excessive fees, to file formal complaints with her office or the department. “If a parent feels exploited, they should come forward and complain. No institution is above the rules, and we will ensure strict action is taken against any violations,” she stated.
Responding to criticism on social media and in the press, she stated the importance of substantiated complaints. “Statements made on Facebook or in the media for self-promotion won’t suffice. Provide evidence, and I assure you, action will be taken,” she asserted.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability and ensuring students’ welfare during the harsh winter season.
A few days ago, the School Education Department Tuesday proposed winter vacations in a phased manner from December 09 and December 16 respectively for the winter zones of the Kashmir division.
The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) said that the proposal for winter vacation was submitted given the prevailing cold and foggy weather conditions in the region.
In a proposal to the Principal Secretary, the School Education Department, DSEK said, “It is to submit that prevailing weather conditions particularly the cold wave and dense fog in the Kashmir Valley has necessitated declaring the winter vacations.”
