SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has extended the ongoing summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir Division and the winter zone of the Jammu Division till July 22 in view of the prevailing heatwave and adverse weather forecast.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Sakina Itoo in a post on X, stating that the decision had been taken in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, it has been decided to extend the summer vacation for all Government and recognised private schools in the Kashmir Division and the winter zones of Jammu Division up to July 22,” she said.
Schools were earlier scheduled to reopen on July 20, but will now remain closed until July 22, with classes set to resume on July 23, subject to any further orders from the government.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure amid the continuing spell of extreme heat and weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The extension comes after Kashmir witnessed unusually high temperatures in recent days, with Srinagar recording 35.9 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature of the season. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash floods and landslides in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days.
The government said the safety and well-being of students, teachers and school staff remain its foremost priority. The School Education Department has advised parents, students and school managements to follow official advisories and await further instructions, adding that any additional orders necessitated by changing weather conditions will be issued by the competent authority.
