Srinagar: The government does not currently plan to modify the winter break schedule for schools in Kashmir, and the previously issued order in this regard would remain in effect, even if the weather continues to improve, Director School Education GN Itoo said Saturday.
Parents, according to the Director, only have to pay half of the transport charges for winter months, and any infraction from the schools’ end would attract severe consequences.
With regard to the parents being continuously forced to pay capitation fee and other miscellaneous charges by the schools, Itoo said the issue will be looked at and addressed in a time bound manner by the committee headed by the Joint Director, School Education.
“The government does not plan to alter winter break schedule for the schools in Kashmir. Since an order has already been issued in this direction, there will be no revision in schedule even if the weather improves further,” Director School Education told media on the sidelines of a felicitation function of 122 newly promoted principals at Kothibagh Higher Secondary School here.
About the shortage of government supplied textbooks, Itoo claimed that 60 percent of free textbooks have already been distributed to government schools in Kashmir while the department would ensure 100 percent distribution before schools reopen after winter vacation.
“Since the decision to restore Nov-Dec academic session upto 9th standard was taken on a short notice. JKBOSE did not get enough time for the ground work but as of now at least 60 percent of free textbooks have been distributed to the government schools and the distribution process is going on,” he added.
In response to a question on how the preparations for the board exams are progressing, the Director said everything is in order and that the exams would be conducted transparently.
“The board exams would be conducted transparently, according to a directive made by the minister in a meeting that was attended by the chairman BOSE, the administrative secretary, and all CEOs recently. To promote greater coordination and better arrangements for mountainous regions, the minister in charge is presiding over another meeting that includes representatives from BOSE, DSEK, all SSPs, and DCs,” he added.
