MHRD seeks parents’ view on school reopening dates

KOCHI: As the uncertainty over the reopening of schools prevails across the country due to Covid-19 pandemic, the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) has written to education secretaries of all states and Union territories seeking a report based on the feedback from parents concerning reopening dates of schools. The letter written by the department of school education and literacy, MHRD, directs states to get the opinions from parents about when they and their kids will be comfortable with reopening of schools and their expectations from the educational institutions to reduce risk of infection.
Meanwhile, the general education department of Kerala is yet to initiate measures to file the report. Officials said the request by the Centre is not practical unless a modus operandi to collect the details is given. The state will write to the Centre regarding this. However, in the videoconference on School Safety Plan held between the MHRD and nodal officers of disaster management in all states last week, Kerala has informed the Centre about considering the reopening of schools in the state after August 31.
“The letter dated July 17 asked the state to give parents’ answers to three questions: What is the likely period when they will be comfortable with reopening of schools — August / September / October, 2020? What are parents’ expectations from schools as and when schools reopen? Do they have any other feedback/remarks in this regard? The only way to get the answers is through a survey but how to implement it is not mentioned in the letter,” said A Shajahan, secretary, general education.
He also said though the state government informed MHRD that schools could be reopened after August 31, it was only a tentative date. “Most states have informed that no decision was taken yet. If the Covid-19 situation is conducive by then in Kerala, school reopening can be considered. That does not mean we will open school in September. The opinion of schools and parents will be sought,” he said.
The neighbouring states of Kerala too replied to the Centre in the similar lines. While Karnataka said the reopening could be considered after September 1, Tamil Nadu has not decided a date. However, the Union territory of Pondicherry, of which Mahe that lies close to Kannur too is a part, said decision will be taken after July 31.
Meanwhile, school authorities said most parents, especially those whose children study in classes below high-school level, are not supportive. But many are of the opinion that classes for senior students should be started by the end of September at least as online classes are not effective.