Parents in Kashmir are urging the newly-formed Omar Abdullah-led government to reconsider the academic session schedule, seeking a return to the traditional November start.
The current March-April session, introduced in recent years, has been deemed unsuitable for the valley’s climate and educational needs.
Parents have expressed frustration over the existing schedule, citing the lengthy winter break that forces students to revisit material already covered.
“The March-April session is a wastage of time and energy for our children,” a group of parents told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
“Students study from March to November, only to repeat the same curriculum during the winter break,” they said.
Previously, the academic session in Kashmir began in November, aligning with the valley’s unique climate and cultural requirements. However, the shift to March has disrupted this rhythm, leaving parents and students struggling to adapt.
A section of parents, who were critical of the earlier decision to shift the academic session from November to March, claimed they were silenced and criticized.
“We were voiceless then, but now with an elected government in place, we hope our concerns will be heard,” they said.
With Education Minister Sakina Itoo at the helm, parents have pinned their hopes on her to review and revise the academic session schedule.
“We request Sakina Itoo to take a compassionate view of our plea and revert the academic session to November,” urged the parents. [KNT]