Srinagar: The “Group of Concerned Citizens”( GCC) J&K , a non- political civil society collective comprising academics, jurists, prominent citizens and former civil servants, has sought retention of the existing academic session for schools in Winter Zone areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a memorandum submitted here today by Mohammad Shafi Pandit, IAS( Retd) to the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha , the GCC has made out a strong case against switch-over to April- March Session so as not to put a large student population of Winter Zone areas to avoidable disadvantage.
The GCC is of the considered view that the existing Academic Session in Winter Zone Schools of J& K has stood the test of time through almost 47 years past.
“Deriving its existence and efficacy from the geo–spatial diversity , the difficult topography and peculiar climatic conditions of the Valley and many parts of Jammu Division (besides Ladakh), the Winter Zone-specific pattern was introduced way back in 1974–75 in sequel to Report of the Committee on Transforming the Education System , headed by then Governor, J& K, Bhagwan Sahay “.
The Memorandum further asserts that , as a matter of precedent and principle, an extensive process of consultations with all stake-holders must precede change in a sensitive policy matter such as this , if and when contemplated.