Ranchi not ready for school

Ranchi: Even as the Union health ministry has issued standard operating procedures for opening of schools for senior students from September 21, school principals and parents in Ranchi have given a mixed response to the plan. The ministry issued guidelines saying schools can call senior students for guidance in case parents give an undertaking in writing.
In an online survey conducted by state government recently, only 25% of the parents were in favour of opening the schools in September.
Delhi Public School (DPS), Ranchi, principal Dr Ram Singh said, “Under the prevailing circumstances, we must not rush the reopening process. From the feedback I have, parents are still scared of sending their children to schools.” He said his school is, however, preparing to call students in case the state government is in favour of reopening and a meeting of Sahodaya group -- comprising 65 city schools -- will be held to decide the way forward.
Samarjit Jana, principal of Jawahar Vidya Mandir Shyamli, said he will go with the guidelines of the state government and it is for the healthcare experts should assess the risk for students and their families.
Paramjit Kaur, principal of Sarla Birla Public School, believes it is time students get used to attending classes with all precautions in place. “Competitive examinations -- including JEE and NDA entrance test -- have been conducted with safety measures. If parents are ready, our school will welcome the students,” she said, adding that a few teachers are a bit sceptical about re-opening. She said she is confident everyone will handle the situation in due course.
Manohar Lal, principal of Guru Nanak Public School, said it will be risky to open schools entirely at once. “Normal classes cannot be conducted under these circumstances. We have to call only a limited number of students. Besides, many students of my school have gone back home in villages. They will find it difficult to attend classes.”
Dr MK Sinha, principal of DAV Hehal, said one should venture out to become confident of facing the situation. “We are discussing ways to implement precautionary steps like social distancing and wearing masks in school. We could start with holding extended period of classes for each batch.”
Jharkhand Abhibhawak Sangh president Ajay Rai stated, “There is a need to review how prepared the schools are for conducting offline and online classes. The level of awareness about Covid among teachers must be also assessed. The government should also clarify whether it will take care of students infected by Covid.