SRINAGAR: National Conference MLA from Pampore and former judge Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi has moved a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly seeking a five-day working week for schools, arguing that students need a two-day weekend to reduce academic stress and improve overall well-being.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Masoodi said he had also discussed the proposal with Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who, according to him, agreed to take up the matter with the Directors of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir and the Director of Colleges.
Masoodi said students face considerable academic pressure and would benefit from an additional weekly holiday.
“Students have the pressure of education, books and other academic responsibilities. They are burnt out and should get a two-day holiday,” he said.
The MLA argued that a five-day school week would provide children with more time for rest, recreation and family interaction, while allowing teachers to utilise the additional day for assessment and related work.
He also said the issue of student welfare often receives less attention in public policy discussions and stressed the need to reduce the academic burden on children in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy.
The proposal comes ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session beginning in Srinagar on Monday.
The demand has also received support from Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who endorsed a two-day weekend for students while addressing a Seerat programme at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
Mirwaiz said education should focus on the overall development of children rather than solely on completing the syllabus. He said students should have time for family, recreation and community activities.
He noted that many students spend long hours attending school, tuition classes and other academic programmes, and said a two-day break could help them return to school refreshed.
Mirwaiz also referred to the practice of two-day weekends in several countries and urged the government to consider adopting a similar system for students in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government has not yet made any formal announcement on the proposal. (KNS)
