The school education department has once again ordered change in school timings in Kashmir province and winter zone of Jammu division.
As per an order issued by secretary school education department, timings for all government and recognized private schools in Kashmir division and winter zone of Jammu will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with immediate effect.
“Heads of the schools of government as well as private educational institutions shall ensure that the school timings are followed in letter and spirit,” the order reads.
However the parents from rural areas have opposed the government decision, stating that students face problems in reaching their schools due to lack of public transport in rural areas in morning hours.
“In rural areas students travel at least eight to 10 kilometers to reach their schools. Students won’t reach on time due to non-availability of transport in the morning,” said Abdul Hamid, a parent, adding that the school timing should be rescheduled between 9:30 to 3:30 pm in rural districts.
The parents from winter zone of Jammu also opposed the new school timing saying that the order was neither suitable for students nor for teachers.
“In winter zone areas, students have to cover miles to reach their schools,” said Subash Brahamanu, a parent from Chhatriari Basantgarh.
He said schools in hilly and backward areas falling in winter zone are without proper road connectivity.
“As such it is impossible for both students as well as for teachers to reach the school at 9.00 a.m after covering a long distance. In summer, particularly from April to July at 3 p.m the temperature is at its peak which will further increase the problems of teachers and students after they leave for home,” he said, adding that the government should reconsider its decision and reschedule school timing of schools in winter zone between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Secretary school education department Farooq Ahmad Shah said the order for having uniform timings in schools was issued after a number of delegations met the education minister. “The public delegations met the education minister and demanded uniform and convenient timing in schools,” he said.