ABRSM demands immediate revocation of recent school timing order for winter zones

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) has strongly objected to the recent directive issued by the Department of School Education regarding the change in school timings for schools in Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu division. 

In a statement released to the press, Sh. Gulshan Raina, General Secretary, ABRSM JKUT, termed the order as "irrelevant and inconsiderate," and has urged the administration to immediately revoke it in the interest of students, parents, and teachers alike. 

Mr. Raina emphasized that the revised school timing—from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon—defeats the very purpose of safeguarding children from the prevailing harsh weather conditions. “Instead of providing relief, this order adds to the hardship of students, especially those in rural areas who have to walk 3 to 4 kilometers and even cross streams (nalahas) to reach their schools by 8 a.m.,” he said. 

He further pointed out that releasing children at 12 noon, when the heat wave is at its peak, poses serious health risks and could be considered a gross violation of human rights. Mr. Raina suggested that a more suitable alternative would have been to either fix the school timing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or extend the summer vacations until weather conditions become more favorable. 

Additionally, Mr. Raina expressed concern over the decision to reopen summer zone schools on July 17, despite weather forecasts predicting heavy rains and high humidity. He warned that such decisions could endanger the lives of young students and staff, and called on the UT Education Minister to reconsider the matter urgently. He strongly advocated for the formulation of a uniform academic calendar across the Union Territory, ensuring equality in winter and summer breaks, while also considering the region-specific climatic conditions.