'Who Decides For Our Kids?' Parents Decry New School Timings

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- As schools across the Kashmir Division reopen on Monday, the Education Department's revised schedule, combining early morning classes with mandatory afternoon online sessions, has sparked a wave of concern and criticism from parents, who are calling the decision“impractical” and“poorly thought-out.”

In a formal statement issued Monday, Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that there will be no extension to the summer break.“The schools will reopen on Tuesday. All teaching and learning activities will resume as per the new time schedule,” she said.

According to the order, schools within municipal limits, including Srinagar, will function from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while those in rural areas or outside municipal limits will operate from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon.

Parents say the revised timings are not just harsh, but unrealistic for children, particularly those aged 4 to 8 years.

“If school starts at 7:30, my child has to be up by 5 AM. When is he supposed to eat and get ready? He's only 5,” said Dr. Rabia Noor, a parent from Srinagar.“It affects their focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. This decision completely ignores the age and needs of children.”

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Several parents pointed out that this schedule also affects them directly, as they will now have to wake up earlier to help prepare for their children's school.

“We're not asking for vacations and no study, just a routine that makes sense for a child,” said Zeeshan Ahmad, a parent from Kulgam.“At young age, kids need more rest, not less. Waking them up in the dark and rushing through breakfast just to reach school on time isn't normal.”

“And it's not just about kids. Parents are struggling too. Many of us have jobs to go to after this morning chaos,” he added.“There's no breathing space left for families. What has unsettled parents even more is the new blended learning model, under which students from Class 6 onwards, after reaching home, are required to attend two online classes following a one-hour rest. Teachers have been directed to stay available till 2 PM, and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) have been instructed to ensure these online classes are conducted“without exception.” But for many, the decisions seem far removed from ground realities.

Many questioned the feasibility of holding online classes soon after children return home, particularly when commute times can take an hour or more.

“Students will reach home by 12:30 PM and need to rest and eat, how are they expected to start online classes right after?” a parent asked.

“This isn't COVID time that parents will be at home to support their kids. Most parents are working,” Chasfeeda Shah, another parent said.“During COVID, online classes were an option. Now they are being made compulsory without taking into account home situations.”

Concerns were also raised about the timing mismatch between student commutes and teacher schedules.
“If school ends by 12 and it takes children over an hour to reach home, they'll still be in school vans or buses while teachers are expected to start online sessions. How does that even work?”

Teachers, too, are caught in a logistical bind. Many of them rely on the same school transport as students and are questioning how they are expected to remain available till 2 PM if the buses leave soon after school ends.

“Why should teachers remain in school when most of us travel by the school bus? Are we supposed to walk home or arrange separate transport just to stay back?” asked a teacher who did not wish to be named.
Amid the backlash, many are also questioning the decision-making process behind the move, asking who the Education Department or Minister consulted before implementing these changes.

“Voices from the ground, including families, school authorities, and child health experts, appear to have been completely overlooked,” said a parent are being announced by the Minister without a clear understanding of how they impact people on the ground. Orders may be issued easily, but it's families, students, and teachers who are left to deal with the consequences.”

While the weather took a U-turn on Monday evening, with rains pouring across many parts of Kashmir, parents are watching closely to see whether the decision stands in changing conditions.

At the same time, some voices are urging the government to focus on long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes.

“It's time we move beyond the old model of just 'mid-day meals' and build truly weather-friendly, future-ready schools,” said one parent.“The government must upgrade every school with modern gadgets and safe infrastructure in a phased but determined manner. Debates and discussions should now focus on the state of schools.”

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