Parents worried over kids’ health

On a day when the Telangana government announced reopening of schools for Classes six to eight, involving 17.24 lakh students, some parents expressed concern over the safety of their children in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic conditions.

The decision to reopen schools for upper middle classes ended a period of abrupt closure since March last. Education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy who chaired a meeting of education officials said if classroom space is not enough to accommodate students in conformity with safety protocols, schools are free to start a shift system.

The decision was welcomed by the teaching community. The Telangana state United Teachers Federation thanked the government and said this would ensure academic year is not wasted.

Some parents Deccan Chronicle spoke to felt there was risk to sending their wards to schools as the pandemic refused to go away. Venkat Sainath, parent of a Class 6 student, said he will not allow his wards to attend regular classes.

“There is no point in starting classes when this academic year is about to end. Two days ago, the education minister said junior-level schools will remain shut. So, what has changed,” he asked.

Another parent Madhushekhar raised concern over rising cases in some states and felt this is not the right time to reopen schools. “Students till Class 8 will be promoted as per the law. Online classes at this point are safer. Why should we risk our kids with the virus,” he asked.

Zubair from Glendale Academy said, “The vaccines that are now being used are not for kids under the age of 16. Parents would prefer online classes until the pandemic is controlled. Most parents I know of are against sending their children to school.”

The state education department said that in the first 10 days of reopening of schools from Class 9 and above from February 1, the attendance saw a steady rise.

More than 60 per cent of the students are attending schools and junior colleges in the rural districts as well, the department said.