KCCI, KTA Urge Extension of School Summer Vacation Amid Heatwave

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to extend the ongoing summer vacation in schools beyond July 7 due to the prevailing heatwave in the Valley.

In separate statements, both trade bodies urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo to take immediate steps in view of the rising temperatures, which they said pose health concerns for students.

KCCI said that most schools in the region, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, lack basic heat-mitigation infrastructure such as ventilation and cooling systems. The Chamber said reopening schools in the current conditions would place students and staff at risk. It suggested that the vacation be extended by at least two weeks and proposed that online classes be started during the extended break to maintain academic engagement.

KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said that the temperature in Srinagar had crossed 37 degrees Celsius on Friday, a level not recorded since 1953. He noted that continuing in-person classes under such conditions was not feasible and urged the Education Department to consider virtual learning during the extended closure.

Both bodies requested the government to issue necessary directions without delay, citing the need to prioritise student health and uninterrupted academic activity.