VIKAS SHARMA
JAMMU, SEPT 6: The recent order issued by the Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ), regarding the reopening of schools in the Jammu division, had created confusion among private school managements.
Many institutions were unsure whether to resume offline classes on September 8 as previously discussed or wait for further orders, fearing possible administrative action. The uncertainty came amid ongoing monsoon disruptions and infrastructure challenges faced by schools in the region.
However, in an exclusive interaction with IMCSD Herald’s Editor-in-Chief and senior journalist Vikas Sharma, who has taken up the issue, Dr. Naseem Javaid Choudhary, Director School Education, Jammu, provided much-needed clarity. Dr. Choudhary explained that on September 8, only the Head of Institution and staff from both government and private schools are required to report to school premises. Their role will be limited to ensuring the school is prepared for resuming offline classes from September 10, provided the conditions are safe and appropriate for students to return.
He further clarified that if more time is needed to make the school premises fully fit and safe, school authorities are empowered to take necessary steps and additional time to ensure proper readiness. Meanwhile, schools are allowed to continue online classes to maintain academic continuity without putting students or staff at risk.
Background: The Root of the Confusion
The Jammu division has been grappling with extensive rainfall and landslides that disrupted normal life and affected the infrastructure of many schools. The DSEJ’s earlier announcement regarding reopening dates had not clearly differentiated between government and private schools, leaving many private school managements apprehensive. They feared administrative penalties if they resumed classes without written directives or formal orders.
The government schools were explicitly instructed to reopen from September 10, but the absence of clarity for private schools prompted uncertainty across the sector. Many school administrators were left unsure whether to call back students, while parents sought reassurance about safety and schedules.
The education department has urged both government and private schools to prioritize student safety while ensuring academic activities continue through online learning during the interim period.
