Decision on Extension of Summer Vacation in Schools by Tomorrow: Sakina Itoo

Kulgam, July 18, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said the government will take a final decision by Sunday on whether to extend the ongoing summer vacation in schools, as authorities continue to monitor the prevailing weather conditions and the impact of the intense heatwave across the Kashmir Valley.

With daytime temperatures remaining unusually high and schools scheduled to reopen on Monday after the vacation, concerns have grown among parents and students over the safety of children amid the prolonged spell of scorching weather. The government is weighing the prevailing climatic conditions before deciding whether schools should resume as scheduled or remain closed for a longer period.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a horticulture programme at DK Marg in Kulgam, Sakina Itoo as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said the government is closely monitoring the weather situation.

"The weather in Kashmir has witnessed a significant change and there is intense heat. The health and well-being of our students is our foremost priority. A decision on whether to extend the summer vacation or reopen schools as scheduled will be taken by tomorrow," she said.

The minister said the government is taking feedback from the concerned departments and will arrive at a decision keeping in view the interests of students and the prevailing weather conditions. [KNT]