Srinagar
The school going children in the Kashmir valley can afford to smile a bit longer.
Due to the rising fears of swine flu and heavy snowfall in many parts of the state, the higher authorities have decided to extend the winter vacations for all the schools which come under the Kashmir division and the winter zones of the Jammu division. This extension is meant for a period of one week.
The official order from the state Government said "The winter vacation is extended up to March 7 in all government educational institutions and recognised private schools up to higher secondary level, falling in Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu division,"
A number of students had doubts about the schedule of the class 12th examinations. But the order clearly stated that the examinations for 12th class would go on as per the pre decided schedule without any alterations.
According to the order, the schools would now re-open on 9th March 2015. The administration, on its part, has not given any official reason for the extension of vacations. But the reasons clearly seem to be the rising threat of swine flu and harsh weather. Over the past week or so, a number of parents from different parts of the state had protested and demanded an extension in the vacations owing to the spread of swine flu in the state. Till date, as many as 6 people have lost their lives in the state due to the H1N1 virus, whereas more than 200 people have fallen ill due to this.
The local meteorological department also issued a warning regarding heavy rainfall or snow on 2nd March. The schools, according to the earlier scheduled, were due to open on 2nd March, after an already extended winter break.
The break had initially started on 24th November for all classes till eighth. And the students from classes 9th to 12th went on the break from 8th December. The schools were originally slated to re-open on 23rd February.
The Government made an announcement regarding the extension last week, citing an unfavourable weather prediction by the meteorological department of the state.
Tags: Kashmir Swine Flu
Kashmir Winter Vacations
Kashmir School
Higher Authorities
