Chenab Valley Parents, Students Protest After School Timings Changed
Parents and Teachers Demand Revision of Winter School Timings in Chenab Valley
Banihal, Oct 11: The recent revision of school timings for winter zone schools in Jammu province has sparked widespread concern and protests among parents, teachers, and students across the Chenab Valley.
The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has set the new schedule for schools in winter zones, including the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal regions, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. However, many locals argue that the revised timing is impractical, especially amid cold weather, reduced daylight, and limited early morning transport options.
Parents from remote areas of Ramban district highlighted that fresh snowfall and freezing mornings make it difficult for children to reach schools safely and on time. “The government should consider ground realities. Children leave home early and return late, exposing them to harsh weather and the risk of wild animals in forested areas,” said Bilal Ahmad, a concerned parent.
Teachers also raised concerns, pointing out that many commute long distances daily from places like Banihal, Ramsoo, Khari, and other far-flung villages. “With scarce transport early in the morning, it is nearly impossible for teachers and students to reach schools on time,” said a teachers’ association representative requesting anonymity.
Critics described the decision as “detached policymaking from air-conditioned offices in Jammu,” and called for the establishment of a separate Directorate of School Education for Jammu’s winter zones to ensure more practical policies suited to hilly and cold areas.
Parents have requested adjusting school timings to 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while reducing lunch breaks from one hour to 30 minutes. “It is ironic that during hotter months, school hours were from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but in colder October, timings have been advanced to 9:30 a.m. This decision defies logic and affects the welfare of children,” said one parent.
Authorities have been urged to review the winter timing order immediately to ensure the safety and convenience of both students and teachers in the Chenab Valley.
