Srinagar: With authorities intending reopening of schools from mid-June in Jammu and Kashmir, parents have filed an online petition against any such move.
Directors of school education Kashmir and Jammu have been directed to make availability of safety items in government schools to students in view outbreak of coronavirus.
Director Finance School Education Department has written a letter to Director School Education Kashmir and Jammu. As per the letter, a copy of which lies with new agency KINS reads, “As Government intends to re-open schools in mid of June 2020. I am directed to convey to ensure safety measures in all Govt. schools to arrest spread of Coronavirus to students and staff therein. In this connection necessary instructions may be circulated to heads of all government schools to provide a pair of reusable masks and a pair of hand gloves to every student and ensure availability of one thousand (1000) ml bulk hand sanitizes and 1200 ml liquid soap with disperser at entry point to each Government school. Expenditure on this account shall be debited to Samagra Grants released to all institutions for day to day expenses.”
However, parents have opposed reopening of schools anywhere across the country unless the COVID-19 situation improves or a vaccine is available.
“Opening of schools in July will be the worst decision by the government. It’s like playing with fire when we ought to douse it with full force. The current academic session should continue in e-learning mode,” the petition reads as per news agency KINS.
“If the schools claim that they are doing a good job via virtual learning, then why not continue it for the rest of the academic year,” it says.
Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as part of a slew of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Later, the government announced a nationwide lockdown which began on March 25. The lockdown was initially imposed for a 21-day period till April 14. But, it was later extended till May 31.
The government on Saturday announced phase-wise easing of restrictions, while the lockdown will continue in containment zones till June 30.
Earlier, parents have submitted an online petition demanding no fee to be charged for students during lockdown.
“Are you serious about paying of full fees during the time of complete lockdown? Our shops, factories and businesses are closed. We know how we are making our ends meet and paying salaries to our staff from our pockets. So we can bear this burden, then why can’t these schools pay to their staff during lockdown?” the petition reads.
It says that schools have been taking hefty fees from them since years. “Cannot they even pay the salaries of the staff on their own at this time when everyone’s life is compromised,” it says.
“And the gimmick of starting these online E-learning classes in order to justify charging the fees is all the more shameful. The quality of education through these classes is another low. They have become a burden on parents as everything the parents need to teach their kids, make them understand, help them with the assignments. Teachers are not even bothering to correct the sent assignment and send it back. How do you justify the full TUITION fees too. Neither the students nor the teachers or the system is ready and equipped with these online classes. These are a sheer waste of time and energy. As of now peace of mind is more important and we need to accept the current situation. This too shall pass and we can lighten the studies burden for this year,” the petition reads.
“And what happened to the crores of money they have in their SURPLUS FUNDS. Can’t they pay their staff with that money which is also indirectly given by parents only,” the petition reads. (KINS)