SRINAGAR: In a bid to balance academic priorities and public sentiment, Jammu and Kashmir's Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that the government decided against extending the summer vacation to ensure timely completion of syllabus.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Sakina Itoo revealed that the decision to revise school timings instead of extending holidays came in response to overwhelming calls and messages from both parents and students.

"Had we extended the summer vacation, the syllabus would not have been completed on time. Children and parents were calling us, pitching for a change in school timings rather than an extension in holidays," Sakina Itoo said, adding that the department took the feedback seriously.

She explained that the Education Department had earlier issued a circular to initiate public feedback before implementing any final decision. "I had directed the concerned authorities to bring this issue into the public domain so that we could gauge the mood and concerns of the people. Based on their response, we have altered the school timing schedule," the Minister said.

As per the revised schedule, schools located in urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir will now function from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while schools in rural areas will operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Sakina Itoo emphasized that the primary objective of the government is to ensure students are academically competitive and do not lag behind due to missed instructional hours. "We are focused on making our children competitive at the national level. That requires adequate teaching time and timely completion of the syllabus," she said.

The minister also assured that the department would remain sensitive to public concerns while continuing to uphold academic priorities.