J&K Government to Restore November-December Academic Session: Education Minister Sakina Itoo
J&K Government to Restore November-December Academic Session: Education Minister Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, 23 October: In a major announcement, Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed on Tuesday that the traditional November-December academic session will be reinstated in schools across the Union Territory from the next academic year. This decision comes in response to increasing public demand to return to the old schedule.
Speaking to news agency, Minister Itoo acknowledged that the March session, introduced a few years ago, has not been well received by the general population. “The shift to the March academic session was met with growing discontent, and voices are increasingly calling for a return to the November session,” Itoo said.
The Minister emphasized that the overwhelming public demand for change made further consultations unnecessary. “I have already received requests from many people for the restoration of the November session. Given this widespread demand, I don’t see the need to seek additional public feedback,” she added.
All Classes to Switch Simultaneously
Itoo also clarified that the return to the November-December session will not be implemented in phases but will apply to all classes at once. “We will restore the November session for all grades in one go, ensuring a smooth transition across the education system,” she stated.
The move is expected to align the academic schedule with Kashmir’s unique climate, providing a more practical and student-friendly academic calendar. Many parents and education experts had argued that the March session was unsuitable for the region, particularly because of the long winter vacations and the disruptions caused to students’ study routines.
The decision to revert to the traditional session is being hailed as a positive step by various stakeholders, including parents, private school owners, and political leaders, who had all advocated for the change.
A Welcome Relief for Parents and Educators
The announcement is likely to bring relief to parents and educators who have long campaigned for the restoration of the old academic calendar. The March session had faced criticism for disrupting students’ continuity in learning due to winter breaks and prolonging the exam process.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) had been vocal in its support for the November-December session. G.N. Var, president of the PSAJK, argued that the March session led to a loss of valuable instructional days and added unnecessary stress for students. The association is now hopeful that the return to the previous schedule will help resolve these issues.
Political Support for the Move
The announcement has also garnered support from political figures like People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone, who had earlier called for the academic session to be aligned with the region’s weather patterns. Lone, along with other stakeholders, believed that the November session would give students more time to prepare for higher education admissions and entrance exams.
With the government’s confirmation of the session change, Jammu and Kashmir’s schools are set to return to a more familiar and suitable academic timeline, much to the satisfaction of students, parents, and educators alike.
