Jammu, May 15: All government and recognised private schools reopened in 23 zones of five border districts of Jammu province on Thursday amid mixed emotions by the students and their parents.
However, in the rest of 30 zones of these districts i.e., Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri districts, they will reopen on May 19, 2025.
An order to this effect was issued by the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) on Thursday evening.
“In continuation of Directorate of School Education Jammu’s order issued vide endorsement No DSEJ/2025/20911-21081 dated May 14, 2025, all schools (Government and private recognised) which are yet to open, shall reopen with effect from May 19, 2025,” read DSEJ order.
The Zonal Education Officers concerned have been asked to ensure that all institutions under their jurisdiction adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the School Education Department and other relevant authorities regarding the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Head of the Institutes have been directed to ensure the resumption of academic activities in a smooth and orderly manner and to maintain regular coordination with the local administration and law enforcement agencies.
Earlier on Thursday, in Chowki Choura; Bhalwal; Dansal; Gandhi Nagar; Jammu and Purmandal zones of Jammu district, all government and recognised private schools reopened.
In Samba district, the schools reopened in Purmandal and Vijaypur zones and in Kathua district, schools started functioning in Barnoti; Lakhanpur; Sallan; Ghagwal and Kathua zones.
Schools reopened in Peeri; Kalakote; Thanamandi; Moghla; Kotrenka; Khawas; Lower Hathal and Darhal zones of Rajouri district and in Surankote and Bufliaz zones of Poonch district on Thursday.On May 19, the schools will reopen in rest of Arnia; Bishnah; RS Pura; Miran Sahib; Satwari; Marh; Akhnoor; Jourian and Khour zones in Jammu district; in Samba, Ramgarh and Ghagwal zones of Samba district; in Marheen and Hiranagar zones of Kathua district; in Manjakote; Doongi; Nowshera; Dandesar; Sunderbani; Rajouri and Baljrarallan zones of Rajouri district and in Mankote; Mendhar; Balakote; Harni; Nangali; Mandi; Kanuyian; Sathra and Poonch zones of Poonch district.
In Poonch district, Bufliyaz Sarpanch, Tahira Tabassum described the reopening of schools as a positive indicator.
“It was good to see children back in school. Past few days proved to be traumatic for everyone, more so for children. Developments as they unfolded in the past few days psychologically affected children. Now they have resumed going to school. It is hoped that the things will be back on rails yet again,” she said, while speaking to media persons.
In Jammu, the parents of students imbued mixed response vis-à-vis reopening of schools.
“Yes, a mix of uncertainty and fear is still there. We have to send children to schools as the examinations are drawing near. But we are also scared vis-à-vis the security of children. At this moment, the situation is normal. But you never know what turn it may take the next moment. So, tension is there as Pakistan cannot be trusted. I feel that keeping in view the security of children, schools should not be opened for a few more days,” Dimple Chalotra, whose only son studies in a private school, stated.
Intriguingly, the children were beaming with joy as they entered the precincts of their schools after a gap of six days or so.
“We are feeling good, going back to school. It has been 5-6 days that we have not attended school. Online studies were going on yet we can better concentrate during off-line classes. It is an enjoyable, lively experience also,” Tanisha, a student of a private school in Jammu outskirts stated.
Her friend Kanishka comes out with an amusing proposition.
“We mainly missed our friends mainly during these 5-6 days. As far as studies were concerned, they were going on-line as well. I’m excited that I’m going to meet my friends in the school again.”
