Image Source: TRIBUNE

After a wait of seven months, all government and private schools in the Valley are finally opening on Monday.

Markets were abuzz with parents buying new uniforms, bags and books for their children. Students have expressed their hope of a smooth academic year ahead as the past months in Kashmir have been full of uncertainty, giving a setback to the education sector.

The schools in the Valley are set to open for the first time after August 5 last year. After the Centre scrapped Article 370, it imposed a strict military and communication clampdown, forcing thousands of schools across the region to close down.

Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Mohammad Younis Malik said the timing for schools under the Srinagar municipal limits would be 10 am to 3 pm and for the ones outside the limits will be 10.30 am to 3.30 pm. The schools are opening for all classes, but some private schools have decided to open the kindergarten wing from March 1.