Srinagar, July 7 -- In a formal statement issued Monday, Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that there will be no extension to the summer break. "The schools will reopen on Tuesday. All teaching and learning activities will resume as per the new time schedule," she said.

According to the order, schools within municipal limits, including Srinagar, will function from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while those in rural areas or outside municipal limits will operate from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon.

Parents say the revised timings are not just harsh, but unrealistic for children, particularly those aged 4 to 8 years.

"If school starts at 7:30, my child has to be up by 5 AM. When is he supposed to eat and get ready? He's only 5," said Dr. Rabia Noor, a parent fro...