Govt. Permits Remedial Classes in Private Schools Over Winter Break, Prohibits Extra Fees

 

Suhail Khan

 

Srinagar, Dec 25: The government has authorised private schools across Kashmir to conduct remedial classes during the winter vacation, while explicitly prohibiting them from charging any additional fees for these sessions.

 

The directive was issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an official order, a copy of which was obtained by Kashmir Convener.

 

The order states that the DSEK received several requests from administrators of recognised private schools seeking permission to hold remedial instruction on their premises during the seasonal closure. Upon review, the Directorate acknowledged that the schools cited a substantial instructional deficit as the primary justification. This shortfall, they noted, results from protracted official vacations, weather-induced disruptions, administrative closures, and other region-specific contingencies.

 

“In view of the above, permission is hereby granted for the conduct of remedial classes by Recognised Private Educational Institutions during winter vacation, as per their recognition status,” the order reads.

 

The authorisation is contingent upon several stringent conditions including Remedial teaching requires prior written consent from parents and must remain entirety, voluntary for students, No additional fees may be charged under any circumstances, Schools must ensure adequate heating arrangements in all classrooms used for this purpose and Classes shall be conducted exclusively between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

 

Education officials stated that the measure aims to mitigate persistent academic losses caused by frequent disruptions to the school calendar, while safeguarding parents from further financial burden.

 

The permission coincides with the annual winter vacation currently observed in the valley. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the break is being observed in two phases students from pre-primary through Class 8 are on vacation from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, while students in Classes 9 through 12 have their break from December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026.

 

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, parents and teachers shared their perspectives.

Aaliya Mir, mother of a Class 10 student at a leading Srinagar school in conversation with Kashmir Convener said, “This is a significant relief. The frequent disruptions had put my child behind in crucial subjects. Having these voluntary, free-of-cost classes is a blessing—it helps our children catch up without adding to our financial worries.”

 

Arif Lone, father of two school-going children, stated, “Finally, a practical solution. The written consent and the no-fee rule show the government is considering both our children’s education and our finances. The designated afternoon timing is also safe and convenient.”

 

Ulfat Ara, a parent from North Kashmir speaking with Kashmir Convener over the phone said, “Watching my son struggle with learning gaps was stressful. These remedial sessions during the long break will provide the focused support he needs to regain confidence, especially before board exams.” Several other parents welcomed the order as a positive step for their children’s education.

 

Chairperson of a leading private educational institution in North Kashmir, SRM Welkin’s Baseema Aijaz, told Kashmir Convener, “This is an excellent decision. The children will benefit, and since parents are paying fees for these months, it is only fair that the children receive instruction. I welcome this decision and hope the children gain positively from it.”

 

Shakir Ashraf, Managing Director of Sopore’s Sanctorum Institution, said, “This is good. At least students who are struggling can compensate during this time. It is an appreciable move.”

 

Another senior educator from the northern region stated, “We welcome the DSEK’s decision, as it will help bridge academic gaps caused by prolonged closures and climatic challenges. We fully respect the condition that no extra fee will be charged. These classes will be voluntary with prior parental consent, and we assure parents of proper heating and a safe learning environment. Furthermore, as teachers are being paid during the winter period, there will be no difficulty in providing these classes for the benefit of students.”

 

Mehwish Jan, an educator based in Srinagar, said, “It is a balanced and compassionate directive. While it empowers schools to fulfil their academic mission, the strict conditions protect parents’ interests.”

 

Meanwhile, other educators and academicians have praised the decision, calling it a welcome step towards a better future for students.