School reopening gets state nod, local officials to take final call this week

Nagpur: State education department has given green signal for schools in city (from Std VIII-XII) and rural (Std V onwards) to reopen in physical mode from August 17, subject to approval from local authorities. Across Vidarbha, municipal commissioners and district collectors will hold review meetings this week before taking a final decision on implementation of the GR.
In all unlock orders, it was always made clear that school reopening will be done as per directives from the state education department. Currently, only schools in rural areas are open with students of Std VIII-XII attending classes.
Municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B said, “We will go through the GR and study the guidelines. Following that, an appropriate decision will be taken after reviewing the situation in city.”
Amravati collector Pawaneet Kaur and municipal commissioner Prashant Rode too said they will review the GR in detail and then take a decision. In Chandrapur, zilla parishad CEO Shrikrishna Panchal said, “I shall take a review on August 11 and will take a final decision if at all the collector issues guidelines by tomorrow.”
Academics in city are happy with the state government’s decision. Madhu Joseph, principal of Bengali High School, said, “This is a really good decision as we cannot keep on going like this. Already, students are roaming around to friends’ places or restaurants, so I do not see how infection can be caught only on school campus. Studies have taken a back seat for many students and a few have even started taking assessments for granted.”
Premlata Tiwari, principal of Bhola High School, said, “Schools must reopen for physical mode because it’s been too long and it’s having a detrimental effect on students. We can restart by keeping all safety precautions in mind. Teachers are already coming to campus and almost everyone has been vaccinated, so that provides a big safety net.”
Shilpee Ganguly, principal of Centre Point School (Katol Road), said, “It’s high time that schools start in physical mode as we all have the ability to ensure a safe environment for students. I am confident that both students and schools will follow all SOPs. As it is so many students are travelling to hill stations, beaches and other places. So compared to that, schools are much safer.”
Ashok Gavhankar, principal of Raosaheb Thawre Junior College, said, “This is a welcome decision as students from poor socio-economic conditions cannot access online classes. In Nagpur city itself, 40% of the students are not able to attend online lectures due to not having a smartphone. Hence, I welcome the decision to begin physical classes.”
The state education department has reiterated that attendance is not mandatory. An education official said, “Some sections of parents got really hyper last time when we opened schools. So if you (parent) are not convinced about the school’s ability to follow SOPs or are worried about your kid’s behaviour on campus, don’t send them. Online classes will continue as per schedule.”