SRINAGAR: All government and recognised private schools across Jammu and Kashmir reopened on Monday as the School Education Department resumed normal academic activities following an improvement in weather conditions across the Union Territory.
Officials said the decision to reopen schools was taken after reviewing the prevailing weather situation and the latest forecasts, which indicated a marked improvement after days of heavy rainfall and flood concerns.
The summer vacation, originally scheduled from July 6 to July 19 for schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of the Jammu Division due to an intense heatwave, was extended twice. The first extension, until July 22, was necessitated by persistent high temperatures, while the second, until July 26, was ordered in view of heavy rainfall, flash flood warnings and adverse weather conditions.
With the weather improving, officials said there was no longer any need to keep educational institutions closed, and schools have been directed to resume regular classes from Monday.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo had earlier indicated that schools would reopen after the extended vacation, and the School Education Department has implemented the reopening schedule as planned.
