Following public concern and rising temperatures in the region, the Directorate of School Education Jammu has officially announced summer vacations for all government and recognized private schools in the winter zone of Jammu Division, including the Chenab Valley, from June 23 to July 7, 2025.
As per the official order issued on Saturday (No. 213-DSEJ of 2025), schools up to the Higher Secondary level in the winter zone shall remain closed for a 15-day summer break. The order, signed by Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary (JKAS), Director of School Education Jammu, was released following mounting pressure from public representatives and the community over the exclusion of the region in the earlier vacation declaration for Kashmir Division.
This move comes just hours after widespread criticism, particularly from Chenab Valley, where temperatures have soared over the past week. Earlier in the day, Doda MLA Mehraj Malik had strongly objected to the initial announcement that limited summer vacations only to the Kashmir division.
Taking to social media, Malik expressed disappointment, stating, “The Education Minister today announced summer vacations only for the Kashmir division and ignored the schools of Chenab Valley. The temperature in Chenab Valley is much hotter than in Kashmir, so why was it ignored? It seems as if it’s snowing in Chenab Valley!” tagging former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to underscore the perceived oversight.
The order has brought relief to students, parents, and educators across districts like Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and other parts of the winter zone. With extreme heat affecting academic functioning and health, stakeholders had urged the administration to act swiftly and equitably.
The Education Department has directed Chief Education Officers and concerned authorities to ensure strict implementation of the vacation order, and requested the Information Department to circulate the update through print and electronic media.
The Chenab Times News Desk