During November first week, the State government had asked schools, including private institutions, to conduct similar feedback sessions involving parents. As most of the parents were not willing to send their children to the schools, the reopening was indefinitely postponed. However, with several demands for reopening of schools for Class 10 and Class 12 students especially from the management of private institutions after Pongal, the School Education Department once again sought suggestions from parents.

A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that the parents’ feedback will be fully transparent. He added that authorities have clearly instructed, especially private schools, not to insist parents fill any form that they would send their wards back to school.

Tamil Nadu Teachers Association President P K Ilamaran said that opinions were different from one parent to another. “Some parents wanted classes on a rotational basis while others have apprehensions in sending their children to the schools itself,” he said adding most of the parents said physical classes are always better than online sessions.

S Arumainathan, president of the Tamil Nadu Students Parents Welfare Association, claimed that even as many parents are interested in sending children to schools, they fear of UK mutant strain.

“Some parents wanted to reopen schools only after the vaccination drive,” he said. Besides, a few parents wanted only board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 students.

However, KR Nandhakumar, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Nursery, Primary, Matriculation, Higher Secondary, and CBSE Schools Association, claimed more than 90 per cent of parents wanted schools to reopen at the earliest.

S Vidhya, a parent of a Class 10 student studying at a private school in Pammal, said “We are in a dilemma. On one hand, classes are very important and on the other fear still exists.” She added if a majority of parents are willing to send their children, the government should ensure the safety of every student.