No immediate change in school timings in Kashmir: DSEK

Srinagar, Oct 06: Amid growing demands from parents for a change in school timings in view of the cold morning weather, Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani has said there is no immediate plan to revise the existing schedule.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, DSEK Naseer Ahmad Wani said the current school timing was fixed keeping the academic calendar and seasonal conditions in view, and students and staff would have to acclimatise to the changing weather.

“It is true that there is a demand from parents that the timing should be changed this month because it is very cold in the morning. The demand is fine, but our calendar has to be ready for these things,” he said.

He said the department had already shifted the timing to 9 am this year, compared to the earlier practice of changing school timings multiple times during summers.

“Earlier, in summer, we used to change the timing two-three times and ultimately our timing used to be 8:30 am. But this time, we have set the timing at 9 am,” Wani said.

He said the current school timing was comfortable for all parents and students as well.

He however acknowledged that mornings had turned colder but said the weather pattern would continue to change, requiring people to adjust accordingly.

“Today, it feels a little cold and in the coming days the winters will be harsh and summers will be hot as well, so we will have to acclimatise a little with the situation,” he said.

Wani also said the revision of school timings was linked to the annual Darbar Move schedule, indicating that the department would change the timings in November.

“If we will change the school timings and keep it 9:30, it will be problematic given the traffic concerns,” he added.
The DSEK however said he would still discuss the matter of traffic management with SSP Traffic Srinagar, amid concerns over the timing of school movement and traffic congestion.