Kashmir Schools Reopen Today After Summer Break Amid Controversy Over Online Classes
Schools across Kashmir resumed classes today following a 15-day summer vacation that lasted from June 23 to July 7. However, the reopening has been accompanied by growing public criticism of the government’s recent directive mandating online classes after regular school hours.
As per the new order issued by the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department (SED), school timings have been revised with effect from July 8. Schools within municipal areas will operate from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, while those outside municipal limits (rural areas) will function from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
In addition to these adjusted hours, the SED has made online classes compulsory for students of Classes 6 to 12. For municipal areas, online sessions will be held from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in non-municipal regions. Primary classes (1st to 5th) are exempted from online lessons.
The decision has sparked a backlash from school administrators, parents, and civil society members, who argue that the move places unnecessary strain on children and families.
“There’s no logic in holding online classes after students have already attended school for four hours,” said Aijaz Ahmad Masoodi, a private school owner from Sopore. “Key subjects can easily be covered during school hours, and additional topics can wait until full-day classes resume.”
Parents, particularly from rural and working-class backgrounds, expressed concern over children’s increased screen time and lack of access to digital devices. “Expecting rural kids to attend online classes is unrealistic,” said Gousia, a parent from Baramulla. “Most working parents are not home to supervise, and many families don’t even have smartphones available during the day.”
Many parents and educators have instead suggested a modest extension to school hours as a more practical solution. “Extending classes by half an hour would be more effective and safer than asking children to sit in front of screens again at home,” said another parent.
In response to the outcry, Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged the concerns and said the government would monitor the situation. “The current plan is not final. We are open to changes based on weather and feasibility,” she told Greater Kashmir. However, she stressed that the intent behind the decision is to ensure syllabus completion ahead of the annual examinations scheduled for October.
“While schools must conduct physical classes for compulsory subjects, the online mode is meant for additional subjects. Given our experience with school closures during crises, this blended approach ensures continuity in learning,” she added.
Despite the flexibility offered for future adjustments, the minister confirmed that teachers are required to stay in schools until 2:00 pm to facilitate the online classes before heading home.
As the school year resumes under these new norms, the coming days will likely determine whether the government modifies its strategy in response to the widespread concerns.