Govt extends closure of schools, colleges up to March 7

Srinagar, Mar 3: The government on Tuesday extended the closure of all schools and colleges up to March 7.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Minister for Education Sakina Itoo said the educational institutions would continue to remain closed till March 7.

“We will review the situation on Saturday or Sunday and take a decision about reopening of the schools and colleges accordingly,” she said.

Earlier, the minister said that the schools and colleges would reopen on Wednesday, March 4, in Kashmir parts while the decision about reopening of educational institutions in Srinagar and Budgam district would be taken in the evening.

However, later, the government decided to extend the closure of the educational institutions up to March 7.

On March 1, the government ordered closure of all the schools and colleges for two days in Kashmir.

The decision was taken in view of the prevailing situation in Kashmir following the demise of Iranian Supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

The schools were closed at a time when the elementary level schools were scheduled to reopen on March 2 post near three-month long winter vacations.

Meanwhile, Director School Education Kashmir issued an official order for extending closure of schools up to March 7. ìIn the interest of administration, it is hereby ordered that all the government and private recognised schools of Kashmir division shall remain closed up to March 7,î the order reads. ìThe order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.î

Director Colleges J&K, Prof Sheikh Aijaz Bashir officially announced the extension in the closure of colleges in Kashmir.

ìIn the interest of administration, it is hereby ordered that all the government degree colleges, GCET, and private colleges of Kashmir division shall remain closed up to March 7,î the order reads.

The University of Kashmir (KU) also ordered suspension of teaching and academic activities of main campus besides all other satellite campuses till March 7.

“It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that all teaching and academic activities across all campuses of the University of Kashmir shall remain suspended up to and including March 7,” reads a notice issued by Registrar KU Prof Naseer Iqbal.

The varsity also announced postponement of exams scheduled for March 4.

“It is hereby notified that all the University exams scheduled to be held on March 4 stand postponed. The fresh dates for the conduct of the said examinations shall be notified separately,” reads a notice issued by Assistant Controller examination, KU.

The Islamic University of  Science and Technology (IUST) also ordered suspension of classwork from March 4 to 6. The university also postponed the examination scheduled on these dates.