“Online Education Is No Substitute for Real Schooling” — G.N. Var
Srinagar, 06 July 2025: In response to the ongoing debate over extending summer vacations due to heatwaves in the Kashmir division, the Private Schools’ Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has issued a strong, research-backed statement urging the J&K government to adopt academic and logic-based solutions. The Association advocates for early morning school timings as a practical, globally accepted measure to ensure both student well-being and academic continuity.
In a statement issued to the press, PSAJK President G.N. Var said,
“This isn’t merely about the heat; it’s about how we respond to challenges without compromising the academic and mental health of our children. Heat is a global issue—not a reason to paralyze the education system. Smarter decisions, not shutdowns, are the way forward.”
The Association’s suggestion to start schools as early as 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM is not arbitrary; it is based on input from education experts, parents, and teachers. This approach aligns with models already practiced in several hotter Indian states and across the world.
Var also expressed concern that decisions on school closures are often driven by media narratives or administrative perceptions rather than careful educational planning and meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders.
The PSAJK President further stated,
“Research shows that even a single day of school absence can significantly increase learning loss. We’ve already lost valuable academic time due to prolonged winter breaks and repeated summer vacation extensions in recent years. Children from poor families are the worst affected—they lack access to fans, coolers, or safe alternatives at home.”
The Association firmly rejected online education as a practical alternative, particularly for young children, warning of its long-term negative effects.
“Online schooling leads to screen addiction, emotional underdevelopment, and social disconnect. It cannot replace real schooling,” Var said.
He also questioned the selective application of logic in Kashmir, stating,
“Children in madrasas wake up much earlier. In other parts of India and the world, students attend school despite similar or even harsher heat conditions. Why does heat become an issue for schools only in Kashmir? The same children tolerate the heat while traveling, playing, and enjoying elsewhere. This selective outrage is illogical.”
Reaffirming its position, the Private Schools’ Association Jammu and Kashmir emphasized that early morning classes remain the most practical and safe solution—protecting students’ health while maintaining academic progress and discipline.
“Education is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right, and we must uphold it with seriousness and commitment,” the statement concluded.