Minister urged to reopen schools across state
LUCKNOW: In view of the marked decline in Covid cases across the state, a delegation of Unaided Private Schools Association (UPSA), met basic education minister Satish Chandra Dwivedi on Monday with a proposal to reopen schools in Uttar Pradesh. The UPSA has 1000odd schools across the state as its members.
The association proposed schools to reopen from August 2 for senior classes and from August 16 for primary sections. The association has also sought an appointment with chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
“We have proposed that primary schools be reopened from August 16. At least 50% students per class may attend on alternate days. Initially four-hour classes only in one shift and later, if needed, the schools may run in two shifts,” said UPSA president Anil Agarwal.
“All schools under UPSA will follow Covid standard operating procedures strictly. However, in case of any positive Covid cases, schools may not be held liable,” he said.“Action may be taken if any school is found violating the Covid protocols,” Agarwal said while citing examples of many states like Punjab, Haryana. Rajasthan, Gujarat and even Maharashtra where schools have reopened. He claimed that many other states like Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry were also contemplating reopening schools soon.
As per him, Uttar Pradesh has done exceptionally well in containing Covid with less than 500 cases in the state. It would only be prudent to reopen schools at the earliest so that students may benefit from regular classes and enhanced learning outcome, Agarwal added. “We are thankful to the state government for all the support rendered to the schools,” he said. The delegation included UPSA president Anil Agarwal; secretary, Mala Mehra; secretary, Pre-Schools’ Association Lucknow, Tushar Chetwani; joint secretary, UPSA, Jeevan Khanna and secretary, UPSA, Lakhimpur chapter, Umesh Gupta.
UP HAS DONE EXCEPTIONALLY WELL IN CONTAINING COVID WITH LESS THAN 500 CASES IN THE STATE. IT WOULD ONLY BE PRUDENT TO REOPEN SCHOOLS AT THE EARLIEST