Maharashtra: Covid-19 free zones can open schools for Stds VIII-XII

Representation pic

Even as pandemic restrictions continue across the state, the education department of the Maharashtra government has allowed schools in Covid-19 free villages to reopen for Stds VIII to XII. A Government Resolution (GR) was issued in this regard on Monday evening sparking off a debate among teachers, parents and educationists. Teachers say the reopening will help villages with resource constraints but the responsibility rests on the school administrations.

While the final decision is to be taken by local authorities after discussions with schools and parents; detailed guidelines for the reopening are mentioned in the GR.

While noting cleanliness of school premises, and making available all required facilities to ensure hygiene on campus, it also asks schools to prepare a plan wherein it can be ensured that at any given time there won't be a crowd on campus.

If required, schools with a high number of students might have to function in two sessions. It clearly states that parents' consent will be most important and it won't be mandatory for any child to physically attend the school.

The GR asks that schools make available all required facilities to ensure hygiene. Representation pic

"Schools should prepare plans to make arrangements to hold two sessions if required and timetable suitable to call students to school in batches on alternate days. Covid precaution should be strictly followed in school premises where signs and posters should be everywhere to remind all constantly. There should be only one student per bench and 15-20 students per class to ensure physical distancing.

All should keep 6 feet distance from each other. Face masks should be worn full-time and constant hand-washing facilities should be available. Teachers should be residents of the same Covid free zone," states the GR.

The development has received mixed reactions from all, with parents mostly talking against the plan. "They are repeating the mistake from after the first wave. Is it an invitation to the third wave if we plan to start schools now? Instead, the government should focus on enabling online learning for all," said Anubha Shrivastava from India Wide Parents Association.

Schools, however, are hopeful of the plan but worry about execution. A school principal said, "If we consider Covid-free zones, currently they are mostly in villages. The reopening of those schools is majorly required as online learning is not really an option with resource constraints. But this clearly brings a lot of responsibility for the school administration. It will also be important to know the readiness of the staff to take it on."

15-20
No. of students to be allowed per class as per the GR