HYDERABAD: With the surge in
Covid-19
cases in the state, parents and child-rights activists are demanding that
schools
resume
online classes
and
stop physical classes
immediately.
Teachers and parents said that about 90% of schools have stopped online classes after physical classes resumed on February 1 and added that the state should take measures to ensure that all students get to continue their
education
in virtual mode.
“The government has reopened schools, but failed to maintain the Covid-19 protocols and required safety and security measures in government institutions. They should immediately shut down physical classes for all students, except class 10,” said N Narayana, president, Telangana Parents Association (TPA), adding that parents are under stress and anxiety ever since physical classes started.
The child-rights activists demanded that classes should be suspended for upper primary students. “Measures should be taken to ensure that these students are attending classes telecast via TSAT, Doordarshan, and other modes,” said E Raghunandan, general secretary, BalalaHakula Sankshema Sangham. He said that in the current situation, it is not wise to continue conducting physical classes for all students and put the lives of students and teachers at risk.
The members of the Telangana Recognized Schools Managements Association, meanwhile, submitted a representation to the education minister asking the state not to shut down schools. They requested the minister to release the examination schedule as children are passed without examination even in the last academic year. “Rather than imposing a large-scale lockdown in the view of sporadic cases, it is better to close down schools where cases are being reported for 15 days. Closing down all school will do more harm than good as it is going to create severe learning loss,” said Shekar Rao Y, president, TRSMA, adding although few cases have been reported here and there, the majority of schools have been effectively conducting physical classes.