Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): After weeks of closure due to heightened security concerns and inclement weather in some parts of the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced the reopening of all educational institutions in non-border districts. Minister of Education Sakina Ittoo made the announcement on Monday via her official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“All schools and colleges in the non-border districts of both Jammu and Kashmir regions will resume operations starting Tuesday,” Ittoo stated. She emphasized that the decision was taken following a comprehensive review of the security and weather conditions by the administration.
Educational institutions across several districts of J&K, particularly those near the border, were shut down temporarily last month due to a combination of cross-border shelling incidents in some areas and heavy rainfall leading to road blockages in others. The decision to close institutions was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, especially in vulnerable zones along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border.
Over the past few weeks, non-border areas have seen an improvement in both weather conditions and security assessments. Officials in the Education Department, in coordination with district administrations, have been actively monitoring the situation to ensure a safe environment for students to return.
The reopening brings relief to thousands of students and parents who have expressed concerns over academic disruptions and pending examinations. “We welcome the decision. Online classes helped, but they are no substitute for real classroom learning,” said Shabnam Jan, a parent in Anantnag district.
However, institutions in border areas—such as those in Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, and Karnah—will remain closed until further notice due to ongoing security reviews.
District authorities have been directed to ensure all schools and colleges follow standard operating procedures, including infrastructure checks and psychological support for students returning after the long break. The Education Department has also instructed heads of institutions to prepare revised academic calendars to make up for lost time (DD)
