SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: As per decision of Jammu & Kashmir Government, all primary and middle schools will open for routine offline class work from Monday after a long closure. Notably, the winter vacations for all classes up to higher secondary level in Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu ended February 26 (Saturday), following which schools were expected to reopen from February 28 (Monday). The State Executive Committee (SEC) had also ordered reopening of schools after February 28 in Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu division.
However, Principal Secretary School Education Department (SED) Bishwajit Kumar Singh said that schools will reopen for routine functioning from March 2. “The SEC has ordered reopening of schools after February 28 while March 1 is a holiday. So, the first working day in schools will be March 2, 2022,” the Principal Secretary informed, adding, “Students of primary and middle classes could not even believe Government’s order regarding reopening of their schools, as they had not seen their teachers and classmates for past several years.” “I am eagerly waiting for resumption of offline classes. I remember that in 2019, when I was in second grade, I used to go to school after which for a long time, no offline classes were there,” said Shahzadi Eleeza, a student, while talking to STATE TIMES. “Now I’m in 5th standard. I just remember the name of area where my school is located but have forgotten the way and passage to my school,” she added.
Notably, the Higher Educational Institutions and schools in Jammu reopened for routine schooling in a phased manner from February 14, 2022, after which necessary preparations were made for reopening of schools in Valley as well. Majority of private schools have already notified their schedules to reopen the institutions in a phased manner. Many have decided to resume routine schooling for higher classes from March 2 while junior classes will resume offline classes, a week later.
Pertinent to mention here that schools have been directed to ensure smooth transition of students, from online to offline mode, by creating a favourable environment. The managements of schools have been asked to adopt a fun-way of learning for students for first two weeks instead of rushing for home assignments and unit-tests.