Govt must find a middle path in consultation with parents

As circumstances are dancing on razor’s edge, any decision made in haste can knot it up. So, citizens want a collective decision

Nothing important than students’ safety

Among others, the education sector was also seriously impacted by the outbreak of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown when all educational institutions across the state were indefinitely closed. With the gradual lifting of restrictions, schools resorted to online teaching to make up for the loss of students’ studies. But parents, especially from economically weaker sections and those from remote and rural areas, resented the move for non-availability of smartphones and internet connectivity, and demanded offline classes to ensure the educational, physical, mental and social well-being of their children. The schools were reopened after nine months in January this year on the strong collective demand of parents, pupils and private managements with strict anti-Covid guidelines. A majority of parents were not ready to send their wards for offline classes, fearing that most school administrations were incapable to operate safely. And their contention proved true. As many students, teachers and staff of several schools tested positive, the state government again shut them down on March 19 in the backdrop of growing clamour by parents. But their expression of ire and resentment over government’s latest decision to postpone board exams for Classes X and XII due to surge in cases is totally irrational and unjustified. In view of the infections showing an upward trajectory over the last few weeks, it is wise to choose the safety of children over higher studies. Rather than unnecessarily criticising the state authorities for announcing precautionary measures from time to time, parents should behave like responsible citizens and cooperate to slow the spread of the fatal disease. Consensus is fast emerging that a marked improvement in the Covid situation is imperative for the smooth functioning of academic institutions and the regular conduct of final examinations.

DS Kang

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Lives more important than examinations

“To be or not to be is the question” – so wrote the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare, four centuries ago. This, again, is the question for the government whether to open the schools for exams or not. Punjab is already suffering from the resurge of Covid-19 infections, more so because the new variant from the UK is more lethal, contagious and spreads rapidly. Daily the number of cases and deaths are rising. Even beds and ventilators are falling short and more beds are being commissioned. The parents should not insist on not postponing the exams. Already many teachers and students have been infected with this virus at many schools. The lives are more important than exams and education. The latter can be done again in future but the former once gone can’t be retrieved. But irony of the situation is that shops, businesses, bars and restaurants are open till 9 pm every day. Though the night curfew has been imposed and the lockdown may be in the offing, though Punjab CM has denied it, if the Covid-19 surge doesn’t abate. The government must find a middle path in consultation and consensus with all the stakeholders. The parents should not insist on taking exams of students for the time being.

Dr JS Wadhwa

Covid behaviour must be followed

Few weeks back we were in a jubilant mood that the menace of Covid-19 has been suppressed with our sincere efforts by adopting all the measures to keep ourselves safe from it as prescribed by the Ministry of Health. Malls, cinemas, colleges and schools were opened, numbers of guests for marriage ceremonies were increased and the fear of virus vanished from the minds of the masses. As the schools and colleges demanded tuition fee from the parents of the students, resentment to a great extent was witnessed; even demonstration was being carried handing over memorandums to administration for exemption of school/college fee during the days of the lockdown. The demand for opening of schools was witnessed from various sections of the society without any fear and severity of the second wave. As earlier, the second wave had been witnessed in the West and is now in India. The administration immediately came into action for closure of schools after sedulous testing of school staff and students. In order to safeguard the students from the menace, the administration had to take harsh decision in public interest by announcing closure of schools, as even though vaccination drive is at its peak but the qualifying age is above 45. Until and unless 70 per cent of the masses get vaccinated, the parents of the students can be in dilemma if the schools should be reopened or conducting of exams. If the schools conduct exams, Covid-appropriate behaviour must be followed. But if it all nosedives south, who will be blamed for the negligence?

RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU

Opening schools is inviting more misery

Schools and colleges have been closed and the order is applicable on all, as well as coaching centres and exams have been postponed. The second wave is steadily increasing the infection and death rate is alarmingly high. Parents are protesting that the schools should be opened as their children have already suffered their studies and moreover most of the exams have been done, only two-three exams are left. The delay in exams is diverting the attention from competitive exams because of no regularity in online classes. It’s very shocking to see parents’ resentment to open the schools as they prefer bookish study rather than the precious lives of their children, in a way they are welcoming the virus in their lives by sending their wards to schools. Their concern is also genuine that the school authorities are charging full fee and other charges so let the schools be opened. Taking all the precautions schools should be opened as all other activities are opened. All malls and theatres and other places are opened and life is normal. The government should give more emphasis on vaccination.

SHASHI KIRAN

The current situation is very delicate

The spell of second wave of virus’ variant is undoubtedly very dangerous, throwing bigger challenges for both the people and the government to tackle with. The schoolchildren are most vulnerable section required to be dealt with utmost care and responsibility at the ends of both their parents and the administration. As such, the parents’ complaints in the matter of taking certain measures especially postponing the ensuing examinations are not tenable. The peculiar circumstances require that the parents must show unbiased and complete understanding of the situation so that there are no hindrances in taking all precautions vital to prevent further spread, containment and treatment of virus at all levels. The value of human lives, especially our wards cannot be taken for granted. The studies and examinations can wait till the scenario is conducive and totally safe. The situation is very precarious and painfully abnormal and as such we have to bear and deal with extraordinary measures only.

JAGDISH CHANDER

Postponement is not the remedy

The resurge is again taking a toll on the education and future prospects of children. There can be no substitute to the classroom teaching demanding the physical presence of students. The pandemic has already affected the pedagogy adversely. Virtual teaching in no way to match the standards of the traditional ways.The real classroom engages the pupils with student-teacher participation and interaction. This definitely promotes scientific abilities, cognitive attitude and ingenuity. Virtual teaching doesn't match the attentiveness, interest and participation of students. Some are even faking to be present while being engaged in another activity. Even it's difficult for the tutor to maintain the decorum and discipline. Internet speed, poor connectivity, lack of proper armamentarium is other issue. No doubt parents are concerned and worried for the well-being of their wards. Shutting down of schools/colleges, postponement of exams is not the remedy. It will add to the woes of the already-wounded education system and further lag in the didactic and learning methodology. Need of the hour is the judicious and diligent adoption of all the safety measures and precautions.

Dr Raman Gupta

Be careful of what you wish for

No, resentment of parents on exams postponement is not at all justified. Increase in cases amongst mass students created need for postponement of exams and it was on their demand that only exams were ultimately postponed. As coronavirus is deadly, parents got fearful and when administration postponed the dates they breathed fire for no logical reason. The parents' resentment is totally unjustified and uncalled for.

SANJAY CHAWLA

Hold exams as Our future is in jeopardy

Parents are very thoughtful about the health and wellness of their wards. No doubt, they themselves clamoured for closure of schools and other educational institutions after mass students got Covid-positive but they are also bothered about the future of their kids. The career of the students rely on the percentile and marks in their board classes. So, the worrisome parents for their students' future give the justification for the postponement of board exams. The schools can take examinations under safe circumstances and can let the students sit individually in one class without any social gatherings. In my perspective, parents are justified in resenting the postponement of board exams as it is delaying the next session 2021-2022. Also, examinations should be conducted as soon as possible under strict circumstances. The educational authorities can also create a sort of system that would help in conducting exams in the safest way possible. Being a student, I have always been worried about my future and my career. I, on the behalf of parents and students, waiting to appear for delayed examinations, would suggest the education committee to consider the issue and help in conducting examinations as soon as possible.

Izleen

No restrictions on other sectors

From the last one year I notified that our education sector is highly impacted by the pandemic. Undoubtedly, parents' resentment regarding exam postponement is quite genuine. So here, it's our states' education ministries' responsibility to make ensure that students would never suffer from education loss. A point to keep in mind is that our society knows there are no strict restrictions imposed by the government on other sectors like marketing, transportation, tour and travel, etc. Moreover, public gathering, marriages, parties, malls, theaters and restaurants all are enjoying freedom under certain norms. Even election campaigns under huge gathering are on full swing. Are they not a cause to spread virus? Why government is not agreeing to conduct offline exam by following some basic instructions and safety measures? Every day the Covid threat is increasing and the lockdown seems inevitable. On the other hand, if any family member is positive how will the student appear for the paper? In Punjab's various districts many school teachers and students tested positive. Also, there is no vaccine for children. That's why parents were in favor of school closure. We are also hoping that teachers get the vaccination before the examinations so that everyone is safe while the offline exams are conducted.

PARAMPREET KAUR

Resentment of parents justified

• Yes, resentment of parents regarding exam postponement is justified as they had paid tuition, registration and admission as well as examination fee of their children under such economic crisis when most of themselves are not able to pay the school fee.
• Parents do their job more than school administration by keeping parent-teacher partnerships together and hence stay in touch with the children's education facility by knowing about what teacher and student have to say about learning amid the lockdown.
• Parents helping children with online classes, schoolwork and ensure that their child attends online classes, completes homework and sends it to the teacher and preparing for next day's class has been a worry for many folks.
• Parents can make their children a routine with fixed times for meals, studying and sleeping. If this would not happen, it could impact the attitude of child and he/she may become aggressive.
• Parents also had to manage the behavioural problem of their child which was faced due to stressed and indoor life of the children. They should keep them engaged in meaningful activities.
• And last but not least, parents will have to put in extra efforts if exams are postponed and this will raise their resentment as wards' time and efforts are being wasted.

Ankur Gupta

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