The decision to reopen the schools has been welcomed by many. At the same time others have stated that maintaining safe distance (6 ft) is difficult in schools, in urban and rural areas as well.
Opening of schools was long awaited. The students and parents facing different problems were reported. The issues included socialisation of children, psychological problems faced by the children and parents both, growing lethargy among children, impact of on-line education on eyesight etc.
Many schools and colleges had adopted a method of conducting physical and on-line classes both simultaneously. But this was possible only where required infrastructure was available. While conducting off-line classes for half of the students the teaching was being made available on-line for others.
Surprisingly the State Government did not announce dates for opening of colleges as yet. It is expected that the college students, who are grown up, would understand the importance of following the rules pertaining to Covid19 pandemic.
About 81 percent of parents are said to have agreed to send their wards to the schools, as per NCERT survey. With the treat of the third wave looming large, the figure appears exaggerated. The survey needs careful scrutiny.
Some others have that the government authorities are not aware of conditions in rural areas, where four classes are held together in one or two rooms. It is also being stated that visits of officers from Education Department may create more problems. Visits of political leaders are more dangerous, as a large number of their followers crowd the places. They never care to follow the Corona Appropriate Behaviour.
With infection rate going down, it is important to re-open schools and colleges. However, people still have shown reluctance in following the rules. In case of third wave health machinery will again be put to test.
