35% students turn up in Mohali dist on Day 1

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 2

About 35 per cent students of all classes attended the schools across Mohali district here today. All the primary, middle and high schools opened after about four months of closure due to the second wave of the pandemic.

The schools had made elaborate arrangements to maintain social distancing in the classes, besides making available sanitisers for the students and staff.

There are 547 government schools – 438 primary, 63 high and 46 secondary schools – in Mohali district.

The schools had been closed in March this year. On July 26, the schools were reopened for Classes 10 to 12.

Baljinder Singh, District Education Officer (Primary), said though the attendance of students was thin today – around 30 to 35 per cent – it would increase in the coming days.

A notice issued by the Punjab Home Affairs and Justice Department on July 31 had stated that “all schools are allowed to open for all classes from August 2”.

The notice further read: “The district authorities shall continue to ensure strict implementation of all extant directives of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs/state government on Covid appropriate behaviour, including social distancing, wearing of face masks, etc.”

At Government High School, Phase 6, Mohali, the attendance of students was about 70 per cent. Teachers said there was great enthusiasm among the students.

Meanwhile, Class 8 student Saloni said she had been anxiously waiting for the reopening of her school.

“I was happy to meet my classmates and teachers,” said Saloni.

Parents in schools to see arrangements

As per information, more parents were seen in the schools as compared to students on the opening day. They wanted to see the arrangements made by the authorities in the schools.