Shifting academic session proves damaging for the valley’s education system; students are grappling with the repercussions of this shift, says Javid Hassan Baigh

Srinagar, September 11 (RNA) : Apni Party's Senior Leader and Chief Spokesperson, Javid Hassan Baigh, on Monday, expressed his grave concern regarding the adverse consequences of shifting the academic session from November to March for the holding of annual examinations of various classes, including classes X, XI, and XII. He said this ill-advised decision has inflicted significant harm upon our education system, with students from remote regions bearing the brunt of its consequences. In his statement issued here, Baigh criticised the education department authorities for ruining the education system in the valley by making this shift without considering the region’s “unique geographical location and unfavourable weather conditions”. He said, “The decision-makers should have thoroughly considered the exceptional weather conditions and geographical terrain before aligning with the national academic calendar and rescheduling the exam session from November to March." He went on to elaborate and said, “At present, our students are grappling with the repercussions of this shift, which has significantly reduced working days for teaching and learning. Last year, our students lost several months due to the alteration in the academic session and the rescheduling of annual examinations from October 2022 to March 2023. Now, despite the exams having concluded and results being declared, college admissions remain pending, resulting in additional delays.” “Please bear in mind that winter vacations are just a few months away as the harsh winter is approaching. A three-month break would lead to further reduction in the number of working days —to be specific, Kashmiri students have already lost seven months of their academic year since the decision to shift was made last year.” He added. Apni Party leader further stated, “The worst affected are the underprivileged students from the far-flung areas across the valley, as Kashmir, unlike the rest of the country, shuts down during the harsh winter days.” Javid Hassan Baigh urged the authorities to review their decision to shift the academic session in view of the region's weather conditions and challenging geographical terrain. He stated, “Continuing with the shift in the academic session will harm the students, as they will be the only group in the country with fewer working days for the teaching and learning process. How can Kashmir align its academic session with the rest of the country when the majority of our students confront a unique set of challenges due to our challenging geographical location and severe weather conditions?” He questioned. "Over the past three decades, Kashmir's academic system has endured significant challenges stemming from turmoil and instability, particularly the hartal culture in the region. However, we cannot afford to compromise on the education of our younger generation and those that will follow. Therefore, it is imperative that authorities establish an academic system that is harmonised with the region's distinctive geography and challenging weather conditions,” Baigh emphasised. “How can our students compete with students from other parts of the country if they aren't provided with an appropriate education system that meets their environmental requirements and specific needs?” He asked.