Danishwar Hameed
Nearly two years after it was changed to March, the Jammu Kashmir government has said that November session will be restored for educational institutes in the Kashmir region from next year.
As soon as the new government took oath in Jammu Kashmir last week, parents in Kashmir had urged 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, they said.
Parents 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 said.
Previously, the academic session in Kashmir began in November, aligning with the region’s unique climate and cultural requirements. However, the shift to March has disrupted this rhythm, leaving parents and students struggling to adapt.
Responding to the voices from the Kashmir valley, the Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, Sakina Itoo had sought the opinions of general public over the issue, and most of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the switch to a March session.
On Tuesday, the minister for education, who is also the Member Legislative Assembly from DH Pora said that the government will restore the November-December academic session from the next academic year.
“November session benefits Kashmiri students, preventing the loss of three crucial months, as the syllabus is completed before winter break. If entrance exams are even in June, students get around 4 months to prepare during winter and the following period,” a social media user wrote.
November session benefits Kashmiri students, preventing the loss of three crucial months, as the syllabus is completed before winter break. If entrance exams are even in June, students get around 4 months to prepare during winter and the following period.
— Hamza Ali (@hamzaaalim7) October 21, 2024
Many other said that the new schedule disrupted the traditional academic calendar.
Sakina Itoo appreciated the role of general public in providing suggestions regarding the issue. “We received an overwhelming response from all stakeholders including parents, teachers, students and other sections of the society,” she stated.
She said that the government will act as per the will of the people of Jammu Kashmir and every opinion will be taken onboard.
Sakina Itoo stated that in view of the responses received from the people of the Kashmir region, the government has decided to restore the traditional academic calendar.
The minister also chaired her first review meeting of the school education department, wherein she directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for restoring the November session.