Gujarat: No schools until after Diwali? Parents say safety first

AHMEDABAD: With the Covid situation worsening in the state, as positive cases cross 43K, the state government is considering the reopening of schools only after the Diwali vacation, say top sources. In fact, the education department has decided to focus on online learning and other distance education methods to impart education to students until the academic session starts after Diwali this year.
A key official in the state education department said that earlier the government had planned to open the schools from August in rural and non-containment semi-urban areas where population density is not too high. “However, all districts now have active cases and these are increasing rapidly,” an official said. “Allowing schools to open at this time will put students in danger. We have advised the government not to open schools until after Diwali.”
The official added that in rural areas, where mobile connectivity is poor and resources like mobiles are not available, the government is planning to provide distance learning resources.
Naresh Shah, the president of All Gujarat Parents Association, supported the proposal of not starting schools until after Diwali. “There are 1.25 crore students. Their well-being is important,” he said. “In fact, the government should announce this year to be an exceptional case and not conduct any exams except for Classes X and XII.”
Archit Bhatt, the president of Ahmedabad Progressive School Management Association, said: “It will be difficult to predict when schools can be opened as infections are increasing.”
Manan Choksi, trustee, Udgam School, said: “Online education must continue until Covid-19 cases are brought under control. Even one Covid positive child can be a risk to 40 children of the class and teachers.” He went on to say: “We do not have any plans of starting our school until after Diwali, as students are receiving online education.”