Covid cases from govt schools spread panic among teachers

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 10

After surfacing of Covid cases at government schools in Ghalib Kalan, Mundiyan Khurd and Chaunte, now more persons have reportedly contracted virus in Sekhewal, which definitely has spread panic among teachers.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of pressure because with the opening of schools in the state, the Education Department has asked heads/teachers to ensure 100 per cent attendance in their respective schools.

With surfacing of new Covid cases, many parents are still reluctant to send their wards to schools.

A primary school head master said, “Many children have taken admission after the pandemic because parents cannot afford to pay fee of their wards in private schools. While there is more student strength in government school, but the infrastructure has not improved.”

“We are being asked to ensure that all students come to schools. But the Covid panic is still in the minds of parents and students. And in such situation when more and more students start coming to schools, it is not possible to follow all necessary protocols. We are under much pressure these days,” the head master added.

Naresh Kumar, principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Sekhewal, said, “Five teachers are Covid positive. Samples of 550 students have been taken and their report is awaited. We are taking all precautions. Almost 50 to 60 per cent students are coming to school.”

But, such incidents do trigger panic button. One parent said, “Schools are getting grants for sanitising premises. Children from poor families, who cannot afford to change mask daily, come to school. The government should provide disposable masks to all till the threat of Covid subsides.”

District media coordinator Dr Davinder Singh Chinna, however, said “The Education Department is taking all precautions. Grants are being given to schools for purchasing sanitisers and other material. Collective efforts of parents, teachers and students can bring back normalcy.”

Discussion on improving results

To ensure good results in the upcoming examinations, a review meeting of Ludhiana district mentors was held under the aegis of Salinder Singh, Assistant Director, SCERT ( Training), at Government Senior Secondary School, Baddowal, here today. Analysis of students’ progress report on the basis of the house examinations and micro planning being executed for the weak, average and meritorious students was done through power point presentation at the meeting. Simplified learning material, question banks and model test papers as per the revised syllabus and structure of question papers are being provided to students so that they can sit in exams without any stress.