Syed Nashir Ali Gillani
Srinagar, July 20: Preparatory Schools or Crèches have not followed the summer vacation announced by the
government for schools.
Preparatory schools like Oasis, Kidzee, and Mothers Pride have several branches operating during the break,
which started today.
A parent whose daughter is enrolled in Oasis at Baba Demb here, said, “It is totally unacceptable to send the
children to school in the hot and humid climate.”
“We all know how hot the climate is. It is very difficult for the children to wake up early in morning and go to
school. My daughter often tells me that she will not go to school,” she said.
Another parent said his son often falls asleep for, at least, two hours after returning from school.
President, Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (JKPSA) G N Var said that Crèches does not come
under their domain.
“They are unrecognised; our association cannot grant them registration,” he said.
Chairman, Oasis, Ashiq Hussain Masoodi said that Crèche centres are meant to give respite to the working
ladies.
“All over the world, Crèche centers continue to work throughout the year. We can’t close down the crèches.
We neither close them in winter nor in summer,” he said.
“There are only 2% of the parents who want schools to close for summer vacations. For their kids, we can
frame syllabus. They can apply for leave,” he said.
Joint Director, Central, School Education Department, Abid Hussain, said Crèches are preparatory schools
don’t come under their purview.
“They are running them in an unorganised manner,” he said.
Divisional commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, said he would look into the matter.
“I will talk to the Director School Education,” he said.
