Srinagar: The Higher Education Department has proposed 50 days’ winter vacations from December 27 for colleges of Kashmir division, and 10 days’ vacations for colleges of Jammu division.
Director Colleges, Sheikh Ajaz Bashir informed that the Higher Education department has sent a proposal of vacations to the government and was waiting for the final decision.
“As per the academic planner, we have sent a proposal to the government wherein we have anticipated that the 50-days winter vacations shall be announced for the colleges of Kashmir region from December-27 to February 14,” he said.
According to the news agency KNO, the Director Colleges further said that it has also asked deans of the universities to not conduct any sort of exams during the vacation period.
“This practice of conducting exams during the vacation period not only disrupts the planned break for students and faculty but also leads to logistical challenges for the colleges,” the officials said.
They said that the extreme climatic conditions during peak winter/summer months, when the winter zone experiences severe cold waves and dense fog and the summer zone experiences scorching heat waves makes it difficult for students and faculty to commute and to carry out academic activities.
“Considering the challenges, deans of universities are requested to ensure that no examinations are scheduled during vacation periods. This will help maintain the integrity of the academic calendar, ensuring that students and faculty can enjoy their well-deserved breaks without disruption. Additionally, it will mitigate the difficulties posed by severe climatic conditions, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable academic experience for all involved.”
About the heating arrangements for students and staff of the colleges of Kashmir region, an official said, “We have already notified that there shall be proper heating arrangements for them.”