Srinagar: Amid soaring temperatures across the Kashmir Valley, government schools and colleges have begun observing early summer vacations. However, many private preparatory schools—particularly kindergartens—continue to operate despite the ongoing severe heatwave, putting the health and safety of young children at risk.
Concerned parents say these institutions prioritize profits over children’s well-being. “They’re only focused on minting money. The well-being of our kids is the least of their concerns,” said a visibly upset parent.
Several parents of children enrolled in private crèches expressed frustration at the lack of government oversight, which, they say, gives a free hand to these schools to operate as they please.
“My son studies in one of Srinagar’s top crèches. I repeatedly requested the management to declare a summer break, but they ignored my plea,” said another parent. “There are no fans or cooling systems in place. The classrooms are stifling. It’s as if they care more about fees than the children.”
Another parent pointed out the complete lack of accountability: “Kindergartens operate without any checks or regulations. There’s no mechanism in place to ensure basic safety standards for these children.”
Parents have urged the government to step in and regulate private kindergartens, emphasizing the urgent need for a clear policy to protect children from extreme weather conditions.
Notably, the School Education Department had previously stated that it was in the process of monitoring crèches across Kashmir. Despite this, private preparatory schools continue to operate unchecked, raising serious questions about administrative oversight and enforcement.(KNO)
