Gurgaon: The Haryana government’s decision to reopen schools for classes 9 and 11 students from Monday met with a tepid response in the city, much like last week when schools had opened for Class 10 and 12 students.
While the attendance in government schools struggled to cross even 10%, a majority of the private institutions preferred not to call students for the physical sessions. Many of the government schools did not see even a single student turning up. Some schools had to ask students to return home as they failed to produce the mandatory medical certificate.
“Only about 20 to 25 students of classes 9 and 11 attended the schools on Monday for the three-hour sessions. Honestly, we didn’t expect any better response than this. Given the current Covid situation, cold wave, and the burden of complying with the government norms, it is obvious that parents wouldn’t want to send their kids to schools. Those turning up are still pleading helplessness in getting the medical certificate. The situation is expected to remain the same at least till the end of this month,” said Sunil Sharma, a government senior secondary school principal.
Teachers have dubbed the government’s decision to call students impractical. They have asserted that despite apprehension of parents regarding reopening of schools and the complicated norms, the government has failed to come up with any holistic plan.
“Many parents are worried about visiting hospitals for certificates. Not only is it a psychological barrier of going through these bureaucratic processes, it also raises concerns among parents to visit hospitals at a time when they are crowded with Covid patients. Many students are coming to schools, but they request us to allow them to enter without a certificate,” said a government school teacher.
Meanwhile, private schools have decided to go with the parents’ opinions. Most parents, they said, have expressed disinterest in sending their kids to schools anytime soon.
“Our management committee conducted a survey among parents to note their views about calling back students to schools for physical classroom sessions. Parents have not given their consent and want to wait it out till the Covid situation normalises. However, one of the parents did ask for physical mentoring and we made arrangements for it by adhering to all the protocols mandated by the government,” said Rupa Chauhan, head of school at Kunskapsskolan.