All government and recognized private schools in Kashmir will reopen on Friday, resuming classes and other activities after a three-month winter break.
The winter vacation began on December 10, 2024, for students up to Class 5, while students from Classes 6 to 12 started their break on December 16. Schools were originally set to reopen on March 1, 2025, but the start date was delayed due to forecasts of heavy rain and snowfall. Now, regular classes will begin on March 7.
Challenges for Schools: While schools are reopening, they face issues such as a shortage of textbooks and inadequate infrastructure. Many schools have not yet received textbooks from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE), despite the distribution schedule being announced last month. Officials report that only 40–45% of books have been delivered, forcing schools to rely on used textbooks from previous years. Infrastructure is another major concern, especially in primary and upper primary schools. Many schools lack enough classrooms, leading to multiple classes being taught in a single room. Some schools still operate from rented buildings, and many do not have basic facilities like toilets.
Government’s Response: Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged these issues and emphasized the need for urgent improvements. She stated that the government is working to address the shortage of classrooms, complete pending construction projects, and provide essential facilities, especially in girls’ schools. Efforts will be made to ensure schools have proper toilets, boundary walls, and additional classrooms where needed. The government also aims to reduce dependency on rented buildings by identifying land for new school constructions. As students return to school, authorities hope to tackle these challenges to create a better learning environment.
Challenges for Schools: While schools are reopening, they face issues such as a shortage of textbooks and inadequate infrastructure. Many schools have not yet received textbooks from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE), despite the distribution schedule being announced last month. Officials report that only 40–45% of books have been delivered, forcing schools to rely on used textbooks from previous years. Infrastructure is another major concern, especially in primary and upper primary schools. Many schools lack enough classrooms, leading to multiple classes being taught in a single room. Some schools still operate from rented buildings, and many do not have basic facilities like toilets.
Government’s Response: Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged these issues and emphasized the need for urgent improvements. She stated that the government is working to address the shortage of classrooms, complete pending construction projects, and provide essential facilities, especially in girls’ schools. Efforts will be made to ensure schools have proper toilets, boundary walls, and additional classrooms where needed. The government also aims to reduce dependency on rented buildings by identifying land for new school constructions. As students return to school, authorities hope to tackle these challenges to create a better learning environment.
