Srinagar, August 25 (KNS): The "Group of Concerned Citizens"( GCC) J&K , a non- political civil society collective comprising academics, jurists, prominent citizens and former civil servants, has sought retention of the existing Academic Session for Schools in Winter Zone areas of Jammu & Kashmir.
The statement issued to KNS reads :In a Memorandum submitted here today by Shri Mohammad Shafi Pandit, IAS( Retd.) to the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha , the GCC has made out a strong case against switch-over to April- March Session so as not to put a large student population of Winter Zone areas to avoidable disadvantage."
The GCC is of the considered view that the existing Academic Session in Winter Zone Schools of J& K has stood the test of time through almost 47 years past. "Deriving its existence and efficacy from the geo--spatial diversity , the difficult topography and peculiar climatic conditions of the Valley and many parts of Jammu Division(besides Ladakh), the Winter Zone-specific pattern was introduced way back in 1974--75 in sequel to Report of the Committee on TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM , headed by then Governor, J& K, Bhagwan Sahay ", it said.
The Memorandum further asserts that , as a matter of precedent and principle, an extensive process of consultations with all stake-holders must precede change in a sensitive policy matter such as this , if and when contemplated, it added. (KNS)