Srinagar, Sept. 8 -- Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said that nearly 40 schools in flood-affected areas continue to remain closed and will be reopened only after conditions stabilize, ensuring that children's health and learning are not compromised.

Speaking to reporters, Sakina Itoo explained that the closure was necessary as floods had impacted the cleanliness of the schools and in several cases, families displaced by the deluge had been sheltered in these institutions. "These schools were shut down because of floods which impacted their cleanliness. Many affected families had also been sheltered in these institutions. That is why around 40 schools are still closed," she said.

The minister clarified that reopening will be done...