Srinagar, July 9 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday said that ensuring student health and safety in harsh weather remains the government’s top priority, adding that J&K cannot be compared with other regions like the US when it comes to infrastructure feasibility in schools.

Responding to a question about the lack of all-weather infrastructure in schools and the frequent disruptions in academic schedules due to seasonal extremes, Itoo said that decisions must be realistic and based on the region’s unique climate conditions.
“In Kashmir, you know how harsh the winter is,” she said. “This is not America, this but J&K and here, we have to take decisions according to the weather,” Itoo added.

She said that last year schools were closed as early as November due to intense cold, although the usual practice is to shut down by mid-December.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“In harsh winters, there is so much snowfall.

The Minister said that cancelling winter vacations to continue physical classes in extreme weather is not a feasible or humane solution. “You cannot provide heating in every school. It is not possible that you can cancel winter vacations and put the children in trouble,” she said.

“The most important thing is the health of the children, and then comes education,” Itoo further said, adding that administration is committed to prioritize safety while continuing efforts to improve infrastructure wherever possible.

She added that the government is trying its best within available resources, but acknowledged the limitations posed by the region’s geography and harsh climate.(KNS)