Demand for Extension of Summer Vacation in Jammu Division Amid Safety Concerns

Jammu, June 3, 2025: A meeting of the United School Teachers Association was recently held under the leadership of Provincial President Sh. Pardeep Singh Jamwal. During the meeting, members discussed the recently issued order concerning summer vacations. 

The Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ), has issued a summer vacation vide Order No. 186-DSEJ of 2025 dated 31-05-2025), for government and private schools in the Jammu division, declaring a 35 day holiday period starting from June 7, 2025 to July 16, 2025. However, this decision has sparked strong reactions from various teachers' associations and political representatives across the region, who are calling for an extension of the vacation to at least 60 days.

Background and Comparison with Kashmir Division

In previous years, summer vacations in the Jammu Division typically lasted around 60 days. Over time, their duration was gradually reduced to 45 days, keeping in mind the region's intense heat and monsoon challenges. However, this year, the vacations have been further reduced to just 35 days, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

In contrast, winter vacations in the Kashmir Division last for nearly 80 days, granted due to the region's harsh winter conditions. Education stakeholders in Jammu are now questioning the disparity in the duration of vacations between the two divisions.

Geographical Challenges in Jammu

Many parts of Jammu Division—particularly in Summer Zone —are hilly and intersected by streams and seasonal rivers. Children in these regions are often required to cross narrow water bodies and uneven terrain to reach their schools. These routes become especially dangerous during the monsoon season, which typically begins around mid-July and continues until August 15.

Teachers and students alike have faced numerous challenges during this time, with past incidents even involving injuries and loss of life due to swollen streams and landslides.

Voices of Concern and Appeal for Modification

The United School Teachers Association has expressed concern over the risks involved in reopening schools during the peak monsoon season. They argue that the 35 day vacation is insufficient given the climatic and geographical difficulties, and have demanded that the summer vacation be extended to 60 days for the safety and well-being of both students and teaching staff.

Several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Jammu region have also raised their voices against the short duration of summer vacation. They have called on the education authorities to revise the order and consider extending the break to at least 45 to 60 days.

Appeal to the Government

In light of these concerns, teachers' unions, political leaders, and local communities have jointly appealed to the Honourable Education Minister Sakina Itoo, the Principal Secretary of Education, and the Director of School Education, Jammu, to reconsider and modify the current vacation schedule. Their request is grounded not only in comfort but in the urgent need to avoid avoidable risks during the monsoon.

The stakeholders believe that a revised vacation period of 60 days, similar to Kashmir's 80 day winter break, would ensure the safety of thousands of school-going children and teaching staff in Jammu Division’s vulnerable regions.