While student health concerns are valid, extending holidays is not a lasting solution. The main problem lies in inadequate school infrastructure to cope with varying weather conditions, from extreme heat in summer to severe cold in winter.
Kashmir is currently facing an intense heat wave, and once again, the idea of extending summer vacations in schools is being discussed. While concerns about student health are valid, simply extending holidays is not a long-term solution. The bigger issue is the lack of proper school infrastructure that can handle changing weather conditions, including both extreme heat in summer and severe cold in winter. This year, the summer break was announced from June 23 to July 7 due to the heatwave. This comes after long winter vacations earlier this year. Now, with temperatures still high, many are demanding further extensions. But we must ask ourselves, how long can we continue shutting schools every time the weather changes? Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Kashmir is already experiencing irregular weather longer winters, sudden heatwaves, and early rains. These patterns are affecting the school calendar. If we keep closing schools due to weather, it disrupts the academic session, affects learning, and puts pressure on both teachers and students to rush through the syllabus. Many schools, especially in rural areas, do not have proper infrastructure. Classrooms become extremely hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. Most schools lack fans, ventilation, heating, or proper insulation. What we need is serious investment in improving school buildings to make them suitable for teaching in all seasons. This includes installing fans, water coolers, heating systems, proper windows, and better sanitation. The need for infrastructure is not just in summer. In winter, schools in Kashmir become too cold, and many have to shut down for months. Students in border and hilly areas suffer the most. Well-heated classrooms, insulated buildings, and proper lighting are essential to make sure education doesn’t stop in winter either.
“Instead of extending holidays, schools should adjust timings on hot days, allow relaxed dress codes, provide water stations, and focus on morning classes. These small changes help learning safely. We must protect health and ensure learning continues. Climate change is real; we need to adapt with weather-ready schools, support teachers, and avoid interruptions in education.”
Along with improving infrastructure, the government should also expand educational opportunities outside Jammu and Kashmir. Schools should be set up in cities like Delhi and Haryana, especially by missionary or reputed institutions, to give Kashmiri students access to stable learning environments during times of weather or conflict-related disruptions. Another issue that needs urgent attention is the transfer policy for teachers. Many government teachers are posted far from their homes — some have to travel 30 to 40 km daily. How can a teacher expected to be in school at 6 or 7 in the morning manage such a long journey every day? This affects their performance and energy levels. The education department should review the transfer policy and prioritize local postings, especially for women and senior staff. Rather than extending holidays, we must look for practical solutions. Schools can adjust timings during hot days, allow relaxed dress codes, provide water stations, and focus on early morning classes. These small changes can help continue learning safely. In conclusion, health and safety must be protected, but learning should not stop. Climate change is real, and we need to adapt. The only way forward is to build weather-ready schools, support teachers, and ensure that our education system continues without frequent interruptions.
