In Bhopal, as many as 10 of the 26 students at Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD), tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Sources said that classes at the school run by the culture department were being held continuously over the months.
In Bhopal, as many as 10 of the 26 students at Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD), tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Sources said that classes at the school run by the culture department were being held continuously over the months.
Most of these students are from different parts of the country. Other students and staff are also under the threat of COVID-19. As such, Classes have been now suspended till further notice.
When contacted, culture minister Usha Thakur said, “I will look into the matter, as on what ground regular classes were allowed to be conducted. I will talk to the officials in this regard,” said minister Thakur.
Director of MPSD, Alok Chatterjee confirmed that 10 students of the one-year drama course have been found COVID positive. “Three days ago, three students were found positive. Since then, 10 students have been found positive out of the 26 students’ batch. Classes have been suspended till further notice,” said Chatterjee.
About the opening of classes, Chatterjee said that permission was there from the higher authorities. “How can we start classes without permission from higher authorities?” asked Chatterjee. He too has gone in isolation. “I am taking it as a precautionary step,” he said.
Parents of the students are angry over MSD holding the classes regularly even during COVID times. They are planning to complain to the principal secretary (culture) Sheo Shekhar Shukla and minister Thakur in this regard. "This is a serious issue. Several students and parents have been opposing the opening of regular classes," said a parent without quoting his name.
Officials said that a team was sent to the academy to inspect in the evening on Tuesday. “Positive students have been admitted to a COVID centre on Kolar road. The rest of the students have been sent to isolation. After further investigation here on Tuesday, further reports will be prepared,” said a senior official without quoting his name.
The fresh academic session MSD began on December 1. During that time it was claimed that it was the first art institution in the country which had started regular classes in the state. Incidentally, every year, the new session starts in the month of July. However, the session was delayed this year because of the pandemic.
