Fans, cooling gadgets must be ensured

There has been no let up in the ongoing heat wave in Jammu and Kashmir as the temperature continued to settle above normal in most parts of the Valley here, giving tough times to the people, especially the children who are attending their schools after the ten-day summer vacations that ended last week. However, there were demands by the parents as well as the students to extend the summer vacations in the Valley till the heat wave ends here. But, the government has clearly refused to announce further vacations in a bid to ensure the academics of the children will not suffer. Amidst the refusal to announce vacations, the government has given some relaxations to the students, saying that those who want to stay at home during the period of heat wave will not face any action. Therefore, the government has allowed the parents to decide whether they are going to send their wards to the schools or stay at home, which is a welcome move and has been appreciated by one all, who claim that the academics of the people, who don’t want to stay home amidst the heatwave will not be pushed to the wall. But, the government needs to ensure that the schools must adhere to the proper regulations and must ensure every basic facility like fans in good conditions and other related things so that the children will not face any hardships at their respective institutions. There is a need to properly check the availability of functional fans and other cooling gadgets at the schools and anyone found violating the norms must be dealt with strictly so that the children are not pushed to the wall.