School re-Opening After Winter Vacation in Kashmir Division
Education Minister Sakina Itoo has announced that schools in Kashmir will reopen on March 7, 2025, following the conclusion of the winter break. This indicates that the winter vacation period for schools in the region has been set to end, with regular classes scheduled to resume on the specified date.
In Srinagar, on February 28, 2025, officials announced that winter vacations for all schools in Kashmir have been extended due to inclement weather conditions. Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed to Official News Kashmir that the closure of schools, originally set to end on February 28, would now continue until March 6, with schools reopening on March 7, 2025. This decision comes after a crucial meeting held by the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday, prompted by fresh snowfall across the Kashmir Valley, which had disrupted earlier plans for schools to resume on March 1.
Education Minister
The extension reflects a proactive response to the region’s severe weather, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. Education Minister & MLA DH Pora Sakeena Itoo emphasized that the authorities carefully assessed the situation, incorporating weather forecasts and input from Deputy Commissioners to ensure an informed decision. The harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, have made travel and access to schools challenging, particularly in rural and higher-altitude areas of the Valley.
The initial winter vacation schedule, announced on December 6, 2024, via Government Order No. 521-JK (Edu), outlined a phased break: classes up to 5th grade were off from December 10, 2024, to February 28, 2025, while grades 6 to 12 were scheduled from December 16, 2024, to the same end date. However, the recent weather developments necessitated this six-day extension, shifting the reopening from March 1 to March 7. This adjustment applies to all government and recognized private schools up to the higher secondary level across the Kashmir division and winter zones of Jammu division.
Posts on (Twitter) X corroborate this update, with users like @sakinaitoo stating, “In response to the prevailing weather conditions in the valley, schools up to higher secondary level will now reopen on 7th March 2025,” accompanied by an official notification image. Similarly, @RisingKashmir and @JehlamTimes reported the extension, citing Sakina Itoo’s announcement and emphasizing the March 7 reopening. Sentiment on X reflects relief among parents and students, though some expressed concerns about academic delays, with one user, @deeba_ashraf, echoing the official statement.
The decision aligns with broader weather-related disruptions in Kashmir, where snowfall has impacted transportation and daily life. The Meteorological Department had forecasted wet weather, including snow, through early March, further justifying the extension. This isn’t the first weather-driven adjustment to the academic calendar in the region, where harsh winters frequently challenge school operations. The government’s focus, as articulated by Itoo, remains on ensuring inclusivity and safety, particularly for students in remote areas who face greater difficulties reaching schools during such conditions.
Looking ahead, the reopening on March 7 will mark the resumption of regular classes, with schools expected to adapt to any lingering weather effects. Parents and students are advised to stay updated via school authorities, as the situation could evolve with further weather changes. This extension underscores the delicate balance between education and environmental realities in Kashmir, a region where winter often dictates the rhythm of daily life.
