Activist alleges students neither wore masks nor observed social distancing; school insists it was a private gathering of former students
The students during their trip to Mahabaleshwar
An activist has accused a Vile Parle-based school, Shree Chandulal Nanavati Vidya Mandir school, of violating COVID-19 rules by taking their last year’s Std X batch for a farewell picnic to Mahabaleshwar.
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The trip took place from February 26-28 after the school’s principal asked the students how they would like to mark their goodbyes. The batch did not have a farewell in 2020 as the COVID-induced lockdown hit. “We unanimously decided for both – picnic as well farewell. The school decided first to go to Igatpuri but later the venue was changed to Mahabaleshwar as the resorts were not allowing functions,” a student told mid-day requesting anonymity.
Of the 62 students in the batch, 45 went along with two coordinators and the principal, Neelam Moolchandani.
“One of the two coordinators is Bhavya Bandrekar, an English and history teacher who bought a B. Ed degree from one of the touts exposed by mid-day last year. Another coordinator is Priti Modi,” a source told mid-day. “What were Maharashtra police and toll naka officials doing when buses packed with students and teachers wearing no facemasks travelled?” said Aftab Siddhiqui, a former teacher of the school and a social activist.
The tour cost Rs 6,000 for one student; the school paid half the price. The source added that four students stayed in one room.
“No one wore face masks. During the farewell, they did not maintain social distancing. Now I am feeling sick,” said a student who was present at the farewell. The parent of a student who could not attend the farewell, said, “How can a school ask us to send our children on a trip when the threat of a second wave is high?.”
Siddhiqui added, “Who will be responsible if the students fall sick or get infected? And who will bear the cost of medical treatment? After the trip, will the school conduct a COVID test? Has the school confirmed health insurance of R1 lakh per student as per CISCE board rules?”
Moolchandani told mid-day, “They are ex-students and it was a private trip.” Sources added that students and teachers were told not to post pictures on social media.
“One cannot organise a party or trip when the pandemic threat is high. If there is no school, the trip is illegal. We will verify facts and action will be taken if rules were violated,” said a senior official from BMC’s Public Health Department.
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