Govt orders change in school timings in J&K

The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir today announced change in school timing from the next month even as all educational institutions remained closed for nearly four months owing to the ongoing stir triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July.
"It is hereby ordered that new school timings, both in respect of government as well as recognised private schools, within the municipal limits of Srinagar city, shall be from 10 AM to 3 PM and outside Srinagar Municipal limits from 11 AM to 4 PM with effect from November 1," an official spokesman said, quoting the Director of School Education, Kashmir division.

"The instructions shall be adhered to strictly by all the instuitions concerned," the spokesman said.
Schools in the Valley went on a two-week summer holiday on July 1 but could not resume functioning due to the unrest which was triggered by the killing of Burhan along with his two associates in an encounter with security forces in a village in Kokernag area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on July 8.
As many as 85 people, including two policemen, have been killed and several thousands injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley. Around 5,000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes.

The students have only completed 45 per cent of the syllabus for the academic year but despite closure of the schools, the government has already announced the schedule for annual examinations next month, triggering protests by the students in support of the postponement of the examinations.
The school timing in Kashmir division, including Ladakh and some hilly areas in Jammu province, usually changes in November ahead of three-month winter break from December.