Srinagar: After remaining shut for almost six months since August 5 when Article 370 was revoked, schools resumed class work on Monday in Kashmir. Two months’ winter vacations had been declared before the schools opened.
Government and private schools in Kashmir had seen no student attendance due to the lockdown that began in August first week last year.
After conducting annual examinations, the School Education Department announced winter vacations in Kashmir schools from December 16 till February 23.
With the re-opening of schools in the valley, it was quite a reunion for students and teachers.
“It feels good to be back at school and teaching the students. It makes sense only when we teach them in the classrooms,” said Mansoor Ahmad Khan, a teacher posted at a higher secondary school in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Khan is hopeful of a normal academic year ahead.
“Having said that, we are used to such situations now. It is nothing new in Kashmir,” he added.
Sajad Ahmad, a lecturer posted at a school in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, expressed delight at the opening of schools in Kashmir.
Although teachers would report to the schools during the months of lockdown last year, Ahmad said the classrooms came to life only on Monday as students turned up to their classes in good numbers.
Teachers also appreciated the School Education Department’s decision not to extend the winter vacation as has been the practice over the last few years.
“The department was clear this time around, as a result of which there was no confusion among students,” a teacher said.
Students in Srinagar and elsewhere were seen cheerful and excited at meeting their fellows and joining classes after many months.
The Directorate of School Education, which has already devised an academic planner for the schools, had directed the staff at respective schools to celebrate the opening day of school as ‘Welcome Day’.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Director School Education Kashmir, Dr Mohammad Younis Malik said that he hoped the new academic session would prove to be productive for the students. He added that the department would try to emphasize on elementary education at the schools this year.

Irshad Khan