Govt prioritises students’ health and safety amid weather vagaries: J&K Education Minister

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 09 (STC):
Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo today picked harsh weather and lack of adequate infrastructure in schools to tackle the weather vagaries as major impediments in smooth functioning of the school education system. However, as stated by her, the government is making efforts to ensure student health and safety in harsh weather.
“J&K cannot be compared with other regions like the US when it comes to infrastructure feasibility in schools,” she said while talking to media.
About the lack of all-weather infrastructure in schools and the frequent disruptions in academic schedules due to seasonal extremes, the Education Minister said that decisions must be realistic and based on the region’s unique climate conditions.
“In Kashmir, you know how harsh the winter is. This is not America, this but J&K and here, we have to take decisions according to the weather,” Itoo said.
She said that last year schools were closed as early as November due to intense cold, although the usual practice is to shut down by mid-December.
Responding to a question, the Minister said that cancelling winter vacations to continue physical classes in extreme weather is not a feasible or humane solution. “You cannot provide heating system in every school. It is not possible that you can cancel winter vacations and put the children in trouble,” she said.
“The most important thing is the health of the children, and then comes education,” Itoo further said, adding that administration is committed to prioritize safety while continuing efforts to improve infrastructure wherever possible.
(STC)