Srinagar, July 8 -- The Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to resume both morning school and online classes for students from Class 6 to 12 after the summer break has stirred debate, but education officials and several parents say the move is practical and aims to strike a balance between academic continuity and weather conditions.

As per the School Education Department (SED) order issued on Monday, schools across Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu reopened on July 8 after a 15-day summer vacation. The new school timings are set from 7:30 am to 11:30 am within municipal areas and from 8 am to 12 noon in rural areas.

Following the in-person classes, students of Class 6 to 12 will attend additional online classes-between 12:30 pm and ...