Extend vacations

While the preparations are in full swing for the reopening of schools in the Valley after the three-month winter vacations, the parents are worried about sending their wards to the schools amidst the forecast of a major snowfall in Kashmir. The weatherman has predicted a wet spell for the next few days, saying that there is a possibility of heavy snowfall in some parts of Kashmir during March 1-March 3. The dates however, coincide with the reopening of schools in the Valley. Although Srinagar and other adjacent areas didn’t witness any major snowfall this winter, the temperature continues to plummet whenever it rains or snows, therefore would give a tough time to the students to attend their classes. The government has been focussing to make sure that the reopening of schools should give the festive look, but the fall in the temperature and amidst the snowfall would certainly play a spoilsport in the government’s move. In wake of the forecast, the government, especially the concerned Directorate of School Education Kashmir should reconsider its decision of reopening the schools on the particular dates as announced earlier. It should consider extending the vacations for a week at least so that the students, especially the children will not face hardships due to the cold conditions. Besides, the government needs to pass a strict direction to all the educational institutes to make the heating arrangements available at all the schools so that the children are not pushed to the wall and their health is put at risk.