The violation of norms was immediately reported to the Directorate of School Education, which swung into action to instruct the school to follow rules. A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that as per the circular, which was issued recently to all government schools across TN, the managements were strictly instructed that only 20 students should be called at a time to bring laptops and get the textbook data uploaded. “In addition, orders were also given to the teachers for ensuring social distancing among the students,” he said, adding, “This school has seriously violated the basic norms and action will be taken against persons concerned even though the students were asked to sit maintaining social distance later.”

Tamil Nadu Teachers Association President P K Ilamaran, expressing concern over the incident, wondered how the teachers allowed such a situation to arise when the pandemic situation is worsening. “This will create fear among the parents who send their kids to the school,” he added.