Winter break for Jammu schools over January 22-27 due to cold weather

NEW DELHI: Due to extreme cold conditions, the Director of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has officially announced an extension of winter vacations for all schools up to the Class 12, Jammu division. According to the latest circular issued by DSEJ, the winter break in summer-zone schools of the Jammu division will now be from January 22 to January 27, 2024.

"In view of prevailing extreme cold conditions and in continuation to previous orders, all the schools up to 12th class functioning in summer zones of Jammu division shall observe vacations from January 22 to January 27, 2024," says the order.

However, despite the winter vacation, rehearsals for Republic Day performances will continue. "The HOIs [heads of institution] shall ensure that all the arrangements for the Republic Day Function are in place (including enthusiastic participation of the students)," says the order.

Earlier, Punjab, Haryana, and several states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar had extended school breaks as a cold wave and foggy weather persisted in the northern regions. The Delhi government had also changed the schedule of schools due to the adverse weather conditions.

JKSA asked for school closure

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) had requested Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to declare winter holidays, particularly for lower classes. The request was made in the context of dropping temperatures and severe fog in the area.

The association stated that bad weather conditions go beyond the usual problems of rain and snowfall. With temperatures dropping below zero and visibility severely decreasing owing to fog, travelling to school becomes difficult, particularly for young students.

National general secretary Ummar Jamal said, “Bad weather doesn’t only mean rain and snowfall. It includes cold when the temperature dips to minus, and visibility becomes very low due to fog. Authorities should consider these changes in weather. It is very difficult for kids to go to school in extreme cold and fog.”

“As winter tightens its grip on the region, we hope that the government will prioritise the well-being of students and take prompt action to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment during the challenging weather conditions,” Jamal added.