Nagpur: There are concerns among parents about sending their kids to school whenever physical reopening is permitted by the state government. The concern of ‘missing out on education’ if the child does not join back is amplified due to the rumour mills of the social media. However, the SOPs released by the central and state government make it very clear that physical attendance is not mandatory.
Minister of state for school education Bacchu Kadu said parents must not fall for rumours. “Till the Covid-19 pandemic does not show a sharp decline and we are convinced about all the safety issues, there is absolutely no question of schools reopening physically,” said Kadu. He reiterated that attendance cannot be enforced. “Even after physical reopening, no school can force a child to attend classes,” said Kadu.
Similar clarity is seen in the circular issued by CBSE on October 8. The circular refers to guidelines issued by the central government about school reopening and attendance of students. It goes on to say that students can attend school only after “written parental consent”.
The other concern parents have is that their child will suffer if s/he does not attend physical classes. This concern is not without valid reasons because multiple issues related to online classes have clearly established that there can’t be a better option than the traditional format of teaching. Here, too, the central government guidelines clarify that both online/offline teaching shall continue simultaneously. Those who wish to attend online only may be permitted to do so.
And choosing the online option won’t have any effect on the child’s academic outcome. Ashok Agarwal, president of All India Parents’ Association (AIPA) said parents need not worry about the academic aspect at all. “Schools will have to promote every child to the next class and it will happen across the country. Even if your child opts for online schooling in the 2020-21 academic session no action can be taken by the school. Your child will get the same academic attention from the teacher regardless of the mode of education,” said Agarwal, who is a well known Delhi-based activist.
Kadu too assured that a similar pattern will be followed in Maharashtra. “Classes will continue online as well. Students won’t suffer academically,” said Kadu.