According to the feedback submitted to the UT Education department in Chandigarh, parents and other stakeholders are strongly against the reopening of schools until the end of the year. A report consisting of suggestions was submitted to the District Education Office by 114 government schools across the cit.

District Education Officer Alka Mehta said, “It is clear from the feedback we have received that parents do not wish to send their children to school under any circumstances for the next few months, or until things settle down completely.”

Further, regarding the Chandigarh schools reopening, they were directed to submit the feedback and suggestions of all stakeholders including parents and local area councilors by June 22 although most schools could not meet the deadline. Principal of a Manimajra-based government school said, “There were delays because we were in the dark regarding the examinations, and what to do with students who had left the city or had to give compartment examinations.”

The principal added, “Our area councilor also suggested that at least primary school children stay at home until December, and the older children at least till August.” The UT Education department has also issued an order asking government schools to ensure that 50 percent of their staff is present on the school premises.

On June 17, schools were opened for up to 25 percent teaching staff to allow them to conduct administrative and academic work. The government school teachers have been busy recording and circulating online lectures for students on a regular basis to ensure continuity on academics.

However, many school teachers and principals have expressed resentment stating that they are being called in to work at the schools despite no requirement. A senior English teacher of a government school said, “I do not see why they need to call in 50 per cent of the staff now. Without students, what role can teachers serve? They are unnecessarily exposing us to the virus threat, when we can do the same work from home.”

Source: The Indian Express

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