Heat doesn't justify halting education, it demands sensible solutions and bold decisions: PSAJK President

• Online education is no substitute for real schooling: G.N Var

SRINAGAR: In response to the ongoing debate surrounding the extension of summer vacations due to heat waves in Kashmir division, the Private Schools’ Association Jammu Kashmir (PSAJK) has issued a strong, research-backed statement urging the J&K government to adopt academic and logic-based solutions. The Association advocates for early morning school timings as a practical, globally practiced measure to ensure both student well-being and academic continuity.

In a statement issued to the press, PSAJK State President G.N. Var said, “This isn’t merely about the heat, it’s about how we respond to challenges without compromising the academic and mental health of our children’s. Heat is a global issue, not a reason to paralyze the education system. Smarter decisions, not shutdowns, is the way forward.”

The Association’s suggestion to start schools as early as 6:00 Am or 7:00 Am is not arbitrary but is based on input from leading education experts, parents and teachers. It aligns with models already practiced in several hotter Indian states and across the world.  Var also expressed concern that decisions on school closures are often driven by media narratives or administrative perceptions, rather than careful educational planning and meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders."

The PSAJK President further said, “Research shows that even a single day of school absence can double the learning loss. We've already lost valuable academic time due to prolonged winter breaks and frequent summer vacation extensions in recent years. Children’s from poor families are the worst affected they don’t have access to fans, coolers or safe alternatives at home.”

The Association rejected online education as a practical alternative, particularly for little children’s and warned about the long-term negative effects of too much screen time. “Online schooling leads to screen addiction, emotional underdevelopment and social disconnect. It cannot replace real schooling”.

Var also questioned the selective logic applied in Kashmir, stating, “Children’s in Madrasas wake up much earlier. In other parts of India and the world, students attend school despite similar or worse heat conditions. Why does heat become a school issue only in Kashmir? The same children tolerate the heat while traveling, playing and enjoying elsewhere. This selective outrage is illogical.”

Reaffirming its position, the Private Schools’ Association Jammu Kashmir emphasized that early morning classes remain the most practical and safe solution, protecting students’ health while maintaining academic progress and discipline. 'Education is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right and we must uphold it with seriousness and commitment”.