The pandemic has made a sudden reportings at our doorstep, closing gateways to academic growth. Schools, colleges and universities are possibly all shut for the very best. Should we keep schools closed in Uttrakhand and Goa? This seems to be the common question that everyone is harbouring and discussing nowadays. As if the virus news was not enough, education is also reaching a high crescendo in most debates thanks to the fact that several petitions are being filed and rallies being organized to keep children safe. The state education department has sent its report to the Central authorities after taking feedbacks from parents of competent students in Uttrakhand. With the COVID 19 situation hitting a plateau at 10,000 to 11,000 daily cases, it may be seen that the reopening of the economy is also on track. not only in Uttrakhand and Goa but the Maharashtra government has also been taking various measures and decisions regarding reopening schools. There have been several severe steps that the government has taken in this state, and especially in the regions of Mumbai, Thane and Pune, to ensure that reopening happens gradually.
While there has been much speculation on the reimposition of the lockdown due to the stubborn upswing of the infection rates, the Uttrakhand government has decided to stick to other restrictions and new SOPs instead. They advise lawmakers to reopen schools in October only if circumstances come in total control. Not only are the parents against reopening of schools but also the HRD Ministry and Home Ministry have issued the new exam guidelines or the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for examinations to be conducted in higher educational institutions across India. Online exams have also been seen as an option.
Although many education departments across the nation didn’t receive the letter, they, however, claimed to have taken the parents’ feedback. According to the feedback received, most of the parents are seemingly not in favour of reopening the schools at all. Even though the world is hit by this very dangerous, deadly virus, India has been changing the all possible way things could work out. Introduction of STEM knowledge, education technology and many more things like robotics as well as coding have helped Indian students to take a step forward with academic development. Innovation in Indian education has become the need of the hour with the onslaught of the COVID 19 virus and the ensuing drama that it has caused.
Reopening schools involve taking care of various prospects like sanitation issues, social distancing, PIT kits, cleanliness to its peek and many more things to take care of. Keeping all these factors in mind, the Indian government has from the very start of COVID 19 have taken important measures in order to safeguard interests of the Indian students. Fortunately, the Indian government has taken cognizance of the untapped potential of e-learning with innovation in Indian education. The one-nation-one platform facility through the PM E-Vidya platform and a dedicated channel for students from Class 1 to Class 12 will liberalize distance and online learning regulatory framework. Moreover, emphasis on community radio, podcasts, and customized content for differently-abled will enable more inclusivity into access to education. With the number of coronavirus cases rising in the country, several parents want schools to not reopen soon and have suggested that academic loss if any can be reduced by curtailing the summer vacation.
According to a survey by online platform Localcircles.com, 81 % of parents are in favour of schools being shut through May and reopening on June 1. Over 10,000 parents were interviewed for the survey. But most of the parents believe that since classes are being conducted online and modules are always present for comfort learning, then reopening schools should not be the priority of the Human Resource Department.
Talking about Goa, Education officials themselves held two separate meetings with the Parents teachers association of about 93 primary schools and 53 elementary schools. Constant resistance came on the decision of reopening of schools since cases in Goa have also been rising day by day scaring the parents as well the state government. Parents of students across the state have told institutes have mentioned to the school authorities that they would not send their children to school physically till the time the outbreak is under control. In Goa, the parents have different schemes in order to reopen schools. Now, the government is exploring the online education, however, some parents suggest that instead of this, the schools should be reopened by allowing 50 % students for first three days of the week for Class V to VII while remaining rest three days be reserved for Class VIII to X students. The parents also mentioned that the state government should take suggestions from the stakeholders as well as the central government. The one truth behind the 50% scheme is that not all parents can afford smartphones and laptops for comfortable study at home. Accordingly, all the students will visit schools thrice a week.
Even though this is the case in Goa but schools are mostly not to open since any students can act as a carrier and in turn can affect neighbours and family. The youth life is extremely important for a developing nation like India. In a circular, Education Director Vandana Rao said that government administrations are expected to hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders on re-opening educational institutions, as per directions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Red zone areas have the maximum risk. Even, green zones have some risk because of the movement of people between the zones, from where Covid-19 positive cases are being reported. Reopening of schools may put the lives of lakhs of students at high risk. For months, parents and educators have worried about whether or not schools will be able to reopen safely this fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic. State and local officials have struggled to balance competing priorities and answer complicated logistical, educational, and public health questions. For the safety of students, families, and educators, science must drive these decisions. Science, not politics, must drive decisions about how and when to reopen schools. This includes both the best science on controlling the spread of COVID-19 and keeping students, families, and school staff safe as well as the science of learning and development for children.
