Haryana parents in dilemma over sending kids to schools

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, April 8

With new academic session having begun or about to begin, private as well as state-run schools in the state have started holding offline classes.

However, parents of schoolchildren are in a dilemma over sending their children to schools in view of the rising instances of Covid-19 infection among youngsters.

Many parents feel that the pandemic may prevail for another year or so and it would not be appropriate to keep the schools closed for such a long time, while some maintain that offline classes should not be held for another quarter.

“We are apprehensive about sending our son, who is in Class V, to school as there has been a fresh spurt in the number of cases. I think the schools should remain closed at least for the children of primary classes till the end of June, though the online classes may continue,” says Dr Sunita Dhingra, a parent.

Some parents are of the view that the schools have remained closed for entire year and there is no point in extending the closure as going to markets, family outings and social gatherings are still on.

“No one can predict till when the pandemic will continue. Hence, there is no point to keep the schools closed indefinitely. These have to be opened at some point of time as going to school is must for all-round development of children. The number of students attending a class at a given time may be restricted and the parents as well as school managements should be cautious and particular about following the Covid protocol,” said Dinesh Miglani, father of a school-going child.

Ramesh Chauhan, principal of Government Senior Secondary School at Sundana village in Rohtak district, stated that students of senior classes were coming to school, while most of the children of lower classes were taking their exams online.

Rohtak district education officer Vijay Laxmi maintained that the school heads had been directed to follow the Covid guidelines strictly.