Parents fault Haryana move to reopen schools in July, say not safe yet : The Tribune India

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Parents fault Haryana move to reopen schools in July, say not safe yet

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, June 5

Though the district Education Department has already taken inputs from stakeholders on reopening of schools in July, several parents and guardians are reluctant to send their children to school due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bharat, a father of two, said, “In the prevailing situation, it is neither desirable nor feasible to send children to school as they are immature and hardly understand the importance of social distancing and other precautions.”

“We won’t send our kids to school even if these reopen in July. It’s a foolish decision to open schools before colleges and universities,” he said.

RWAs oppose decision

Several residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) held a meeting through video-conferencing on Thursday in which they opposed the decision of reopening of schools.

KK Jindal, president of the Sector 20 RWA, said, “We are disgusted at the constitution of a committee by the Haryana Government for considering this complex issue with meagre representation from parents’ associations and ignoring any participation from the Medical Council.”

Sanitise schools used as shelter homes

“Several government schools are being used as temporary shelter homes to accommodate Covid patients. The authorities should focus on sanitising campuses first,” a guardian said.

A senior official of the Education Department said, “Some parents’ associations have raised concerns over the safety of students. They are worried about their transportation as it is yet to be streamlined. They are of the view that only students of Class X to XII should be allowed to attend schools.”

Schools seek financial help

An official said, “Private schools have not received fee from parents and are now asking for financial help for protection against Covid-19.” DEOs had met stakeholders regarding reopening of schools on Thursday. They have been asked to submit a report by June 7.