“Children Are Not Machines”: G.N. Var Faces Public Ire Over 6 AM School Proposal  

Convener News Desk

Srinagar, July 6: Private Schools’ Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) President G.N. Var is facing a wave of public criticism over his recent proposal suggesting that schools across the Union Territory should operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM amid the ongoing heatwave, instead of extending the summer vacation.

The statement, which according to Var, was intended to prevent further academic disruption, has been labelled as “insensitive” and “illogical” by parents, educators, civil society members, and netizens who argue that the move disregards student health, logistical challenges, and the ground realities.

In his statement on Saturday, Var said students have already lost three months due to an extended winter break, and any further closure would jeopardize syllabus completion and exam preparedness, especially with October exams around the corner. He suggested early morning classes as a practical solution to avoid the midday heat and maintain academic continuity.

However, the idea has triggered strong opposition on social media, where users accused the association of prioritizing private school profits over student welfare. Many questioned how young children, especially those living in rural and far-off areas, could possibly manage to wake up soon after midnight and travel long distances to attend 6:00 AM classes.

One widely shared post read: “Children are not machines. Forcing them to reach school at 6 in the morning, often after long commutes, is inhuman. This proposal reflects a deep disconnect from the ground reality.”

Netizen Samiullah Beigh called the proposal “absolute crap” and criticized the private school lobby for lacking innovation. “In the 21st century, when digital tools are widely available, all they can propose is sending children out at 3 or 4 AM. Just to avoid fee losses?” he wrote.

Another citizen, Mohammad Ashraf, called it a “proposal without application of mind,” sarcastically adding that “Mohammad Tagaluq has reincarnated.”

Several users also questioned the infrastructure in private schools, pointing out the lack of fans or air conditioning in classrooms and transport vehicles. They also alleged that the president want children to face the heatwave because private school owners  want Transport Charges from Students. “They care about transport charges. they are not concerned about children’s health and welbeing,” said another used Mohammad Akeel

Many have urged the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary, and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo to ignore such proposals and prioritize student health and safety.

Some also demanded an investigation into unregistered and unregulated private institutions operating under the PSAJK banner, alleging that the association lacks legal status and functions purely as a pressure group to protect commercial interests.

There has been no formal response from the government so far. However, pressure is mounting on authorities to extend the summer break and ensure student-friendly measures are implemented once schools resume. Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said the decision about extension may be taken on Sunday.