Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 30

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced a two-week summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir Valley from July 6 to July 19, as soaring temperatures continue to grip the region.

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued the order on Tuesday after receiving approval from the administrative department, bringing forward the annual mid-summer break amid an ongoing spell of unusually hot weather.

“Consequent upon the approval conveyed by the competent authority, it is hereby ordered that all the government and recognised private schools up to higher secondary level functioning in the Kashmir Division shall observe summer vacation from July 6 to July 19, 2026,” the order said.

Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani said the proposal submitted by the directorate had received government approval and the formal notification had subsequently been issued.

“The proposal submitted by the Directorate has been approved by the administrative department. The official order has also been issued,” Wani said.

The decision comes days after Education Minister Sakeena Itoo indicated that the government was considering announcing summer vacations during the second week of July, while stating that the exact dates were yet to be finalised.

The closure will apply to educational institutions up to the higher secondary level across the Kashmir division and coincides with an intense heatwave that has pushed temperatures several degrees above seasonal averages during the past week.

The Valley has experienced an abrupt rise in temperatures, prompting renewed concerns over student safety and classroom conditions, particularly in schools lacking adequate cooling infrastructure.

The Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall from Wednesday, with officials expecting temperatures to moderate over the coming days, although authorities have retained the previously approved vacation schedule.