Srinagar, May 21: The government is working out a plan to change the school timings for the students in view of the prevailing scorching heat wave in Kashmir.
The move comes after back-to-back heat wave advisories issued by several Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across Kashmir. The district administration of Baramulla on Wednesday issued a detailed advisory aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring a coordinated response from government departments.
As per the advisory, the Education Department has been advised to adjust school timings ìif necessary and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
Besides, the Municipality and PHE Departments were asked to ensure adequate drinking water supply and regular sprinkling of water in dusty areas.
In the wake of this, the department for shifting of timings in schools across Kashmir started pouring in from stakeholders who voiced their concern over the safety of the students while getting exposed to scorching heat.
Talking to GK, Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Commissioner), School Education Department (SED), Shantmanu said the government had been receiving demands from various stakeholders to shift the timing of schools and the department was working on it.
I have discussed the matter with the Director of School Education Kashmir and have asked him to work out a plan to prepone the school timings, he said.
Shantmanu said that within a day or two, the department would make a final decision regarding the change in school timings.
In case the heat wave persists then we may announce summer vacation for a few days. Nothing has been finalised yet regarding the announcement of vacation but in case the heat wave persists then we may think about it. Things are being worked out, he said. Shantmanu said once the timing is changed, schools can do away with holding morning assemblies open for a few days.
