In a move that has sparked a massive debate in Kashmir's Pulwama district, local authorities have barred schools from observing half-day Fridays, calling the practice "unauthorised."
The Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Pulwama issued notices to three private schools, instructing them to immediately stop the practice of granting early dismissal for Jumma prayers on Fridays. The directive followed a visit by the CEO to assess exam arrangements for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) entrance test conducted on April 11, 2025.
The official notice stated: "It has been observed that your institution has been observing a half-day on Fridays without formal approval from any competent authority."
Authorities said that such practices violate the government-notified holiday calendar and established guidelines governing the operation of educational institutions. The notice reiterated that both government and recognised private schools must strictly adhere to the official academic calendar, prescribed working hours, and holidays.
The CEO demanded a written explanation from the three schools within a day, warning that failure to comply would be interpreted as an admission of fault. "Action under existing rules will be initiated against your institution," the notice read.
Additionally, the advisory urged all schools — government and private alike — to immediately discontinue the practice and follow the government-issued calendars without deviation. A copy of the directive has been circulated to the heads of all educational institutions in the district for strict compliance.