Srinagar, Apr 5 : Parents from various parts of Kashmir have urged the Education Department to consider implementing a full weekend break—Saturday and Sunday—for children enrolled in pre-nursery, nursery, LKG, and UKG classes. They say the current schedule, particularly the early school timings, is taking a visible toll on the physical and emotional health of their little ones.
Parents say their children, some as young as three years old, are being woken up before sunrise to get ready for school. “It’s heartbreaking to see my three-year-old barely open her eyes as we dress her up for school,” said Bilal Ahmad, a parent from Baramulla. “We are not against education, but authorities must realize that this is not a corporate race—it’s childhood.”
Many parents stress that this stage of life should be filled with joy, play, and creativity—not rigid schedules. “How can a child who hasn’t slept properly absorb anything in class?” questioned Irfana Bano, a mother from Srinagar. “These kids are not preparing for civil services. They need more time to play, rest, and simply be kids.”
The demand is straightforward: just two days off for tiny kids each week. “We aren’t asking for a month-long vacation,” said Javaid Qureshi, another parent. “We are simply requesting the government to show a little empathy. Pre-nursery and LKG kids should not be attending school six days a week.”
Parents warned that the current routine risks leading to long-term aversion to schooling. “By pushing them so hard so early, we are only making school a burden,” said Nighat Rasool, a teacher and mother. “Let them breathe. Let them fall in love with learning at their own pace.”
The parents have collectively appealed to the Education Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and direct schools, both private and government-run, to give weekends off for kindergarten and pre-primary students.
“Please listen to our plea. We trust that the government will take a child-centric view on this issue,” said a joint representation made by a group of parents in Srinagar. [KNT]
