Srinagar, July 13 -- Education Minister Sakina Masood said on Saturday that the decision to incorporate a 'hybrid learning model', combining early morning classes with mandatory online sessions after school hours, was 'weather-centric and unbiased' decision.

The administration, according to the minister, could not afford to extend summer vacations since schools were shut for many days following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April this year.

"Incorporating the hybrid learning model in schools was made based on the weather conditions and not on our own preferences or with the intention of discriminating against students by forcing them get up early and go to school.

"We waited for about a week before asking the Secretary Education ...