While Centre has issued SOPs on how schools can be reopened from September end, parents and teachers are wary; state government is yet to give clarity
The state government's education department held a meeting on Friday to discuss the reopening of schools. File pic
Parents of school-going children in Mumbai are a troubled lot. After issues over fee payment with schools, they are now worried that schools may open from September end, following the Central government's guidelines on the same.
ADVERTISEMENT
A few days ago, the Centre had issued guidelines on how schools can be opened from September end. It, however, said that state governments would have to take a final decision in this case, depending on the pandemic conditions in their jurisdiction. With the health crisis still looming in Maharashtra, parents are not yet confident about sending their children to school.
"Maharashtra is clearly not in a condition to reopen schools. Some time ago, the state government had said that it was planning to reopen only after January 2021. These central government guidelines have led to a lot of confusion. We will need clarity from the state," said Anubha Sahai from India Wide Parents' Association, adding that the association will be writing to the Union HRD ministry, in this regard. "Reopening schools will not only pose a health risk for students, but teachers and non-teaching staff too," added Uday Nare, teacher from Hansraj Morarji School.
The state government's education department, which held a meeting on Friday to discuss the same with school managements and other officials, is yet to issue a statement.
One of the senior officials from the education department of the Maharashtra government, on condition of anonymity, said, "The final decision has to be taken by the individual state governments. Considering the rising cases of COVID-19, the state is not really keen on reopening of school as yet."
2021
Year that state was earlier planning to open schools
Keep scrolling to read more news
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
