Mirwaiz Umar Farooq backs five-day school week and social reforms in J&K

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior cleric in Jammu and Kashmir, has voiced support for several social and educational initiatives in the region. He has endorsed a government proposal to implement a five-day school week, emphasizing that children require time for rest, family, and mental well-being. Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that the proposal has been forwarded to the Directorate of School Education and is currently under active consideration.

In addition to educational reforms, the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir has adopted social reform initiatives. Mirwaiz announced that mosques and imambaras will deliver common monthly sermons (khutbahs) to address pressing social issues. These topics include drug addiction, suicide, the misuse of social media, weakening family ties, and environmental degradation.

Mirwaiz also highlighted the success of a Grand ‘Seerah’ competition held at the Jama Masjid in Srinagar, which saw participation from approximately 2,800 students from various religious schools. He noted that such programs are vital for connecting youth with moral guidance amidst modern social and emotional challenges.