Blended Learning Begins as Schools Reopen in J&K After Summer Break

Srinagar, July 8 : The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to resume both morning school and online classes for students from Class 6 to 12 after the summer break has sparked debate. However, education officials and many parents believe the move is practical and aims to balance academic continuity with prevailing weather conditions.

According to an order issued by the School Education Department (SED) on Monday, schools across Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu reopened on July 8 after a 15-day summer vacation. The revised school timings are from 7:30 am to 11:30 am in municipal areas and 8:00 am to 12:00 noon in rural areas.

Students from Class 6 to 12 are expected to attend additional online classes—from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm in municipal zones and 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in rural zones. Primary-level students (Classes 1 to 5) are exempted from online sessions.

Director of School Education Kashmir, G.N. Itoo, explained the rationale behind the move. “We wanted to ensure that students stay academically engaged despite shorter school hours,” he told KNS. “It’s not about burdening students—it’s about using time wisely while coping with the heat,” he added, calling the step a balanced response to current conditions.

The decision comes as temperatures continue to rise in many parts of the Valley. Itoo noted that several states, including Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan, already operate on morning shifts combined with blended learning approaches.

“We are not alone. Many other states where temperatures exceed 35°C are doing the same,” Itoo said.

Some parents are also beginning to support the decision. Fayaz Ahmad, father of a Class 9 student, remarked, “They are not giving more holidays, and that is good. If my child is free by noon, why not continue studies from home?”

Shazia Akhtar, mother of a Class 7 student, said, “The weather is hot. Morning time is better. It’s somehow a good decision by the government. Keeping the vacation going wasn’t really an option either.”

Retired principal Gulam Mustafa echoed similar sentiments: “It’s a better decision by the government. What will children do if the heatwave continues for another 15 days? Extending summer vacations was not the solution. Sometimes, we have to consider alternatives.”

Bashir Lone, another parent, said, “It is better than wasting another week in the name of summer. They are already on break for 15 days.”

Abdul Rashid, whose son is in Class 12, welcomed the step. “We have board exams this year. This will help. They need every day of learning.”

The SED has instructed schools to strictly follow the revised schedule. Officials say this model ensures that students don’t remain idle for the rest of the day and allows them to continue learning in a flexible, lighter format.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Weather, an independent forecaster, has reported that there is no need to extend the summer break. With temperatures starting to decline gradually since last Sunday and predicted to remain comfortable through the week, forecasts indicate a cooling trend.

The forecaster stated that 31–32°C is normal for July and added that the month is unlikely to behave like the hotter months of April or October, making it unnecessary to prolong the vacation.(KNS)