Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 4: The government, which had taken a considered decision to open schools in phases commencing July 1, has now decided against opening schools on this date. The government was forced to change its stance on account of overwhelming opposition to its decision.

On Tuesday, education minister Suresh Kumar, had announced about the plan to open schools in July. He had also asked the headmasters of schools to convene meetings with parents, guardians, partners and school development and monitoring committees to arrive at a consensus if possible and convey the decision taken therein by uploading it online.

Suresh Kumar

The department of public instruction has permitted schools to begin the admission process for the ensuing academic year with effect from June 8. However, it has said that parents or guardians alone should visit the schools for this purpose and children should not accompany them to school.

On Wednesday, Suresh Kumar clarified that July 1 is not the date decided by the government for the reopening of the schools. He told reporters that that is the date planned by the education department for the school reopening.

After the government came out with its decision to open schools on July 1, many educationists including V P Niranjanaradhya and Vasudeva Sharma had urged the government not to take such decisions in haste and wait for the situation to stabilise. Former education minister Tanveer Sait, in a letter written to Suresh Kumar, opined that opening of schools cannot be treated as right at this juncture as coronavirus infection has been spreading across the state. He said that everyone will become panicky even if children suffer from fever, cold etc. Therefore, he has suggested forming a committee of experts and taking a decision based on its report.

Siddaramaiah opposes

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, felt that it would be wiser to put off opening of schools by a couple of months after making all preparations. He felt that it would be not very much practicable to distribute children at the rate of two per bench, using sanitisers and conducting online classes. He said that such steps can be taken only if there is no other go after waiting and cogitating on all the issues concerned, adding that opening of schools in August or September would be more feasible.

An online campaign against the government's decision to open schools on July 1 has been launched. It has the support of many educationists, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah, and former education minister Tanveer Sait among others.