Srinagar: Facing criticism over the School Education department’s latest timetable, which mixes early morning classes with mandatory online afternoon sessions, the Education minister has pledged a review of the timings.
While the students refer to the morning session as “psychological abuse,” parents term it as being ‘harsh’ as it requires the children to get up too early “without giving their bodies and minds enough time to relax”.
Claiming that the new schedule has “negatively affected their children’s mental and physical health”, the parents have urged the administration to reverse the decision for the sake of the children.
“This ill-considered decision of the School Education department affects not just kids but parents as well. I own a business, and my wife is a banker. We find it really challenging to get up early, get our kids ready for school, and make sure they have breakfast,” Ashiq Hussain, a parent, told ‘Kashmir Images’.
The revised schedule, he claimed, has come as a shocker as the children were unable to play or get adequate sleep, both of which are essential for their physical and mental development.
Speaking to ‘Kashmir Images’, Education Minister, Sakina Masood said since the weather in Kashmir has improved significantly, the department would soon decide on the new schedule in the region.
“The decision to switch to the morning session as I have already said was made as a precaution against the rising temperature. Now as the weather has improved significantly, new timings will be notified soon,” she added.
Schools within municipal limits, including Srinagar, according to an order issued by the School Education department, function from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while those in rural areas or outside municipal limits operate from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon.
