After the government announced that schools and colleges would reopen from November 16, the move was criticized by opposition parties following which the decision to consult parents was taken.

S Arumainathan, state president, Tamil Nadu Students Parents Welfare Association, said it was not right to consult parents, who might be forced by certain private schools to give feedback in favour of opening the schools. “In addition, allowing the schools to take their own decisions based on the feedback of the parents is not the right move,” he said, adding, “it will also be unclear whether the feedback given by the parents will be transparent or not and therefore, the government should assess the situation and take a decision.”

State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) secretary PB Prince Gajendra Babu said that the Directorate of Public Health should send recommendations with regard to the reopening of schools. “Instead of doing this, getting feedback from the parents cannot be accepted and it would not ensure the safety of the students. Who will take responsibility if something happens to the teachers and the students? he said.

According to DC Elangovan, secretary, Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu said the government’s move is a clear indication that it is shoving away its responsibility with regard to reopening of schools and headmasters and teachers will be blamed by the authorities if anything goes wrong.

“Even if the parents send their children to the schools, it is questionable whether students will adhere to the guidelines. How many government school students would wear face masks, that was recommended by the health department?, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association president P K Ilamaran said.