Suhail Khan
After UT administrations decision of easing out weekend lockdown in several districts, several parents bodies in Jammu Kashmir have appealed the authorities to take a speedy decision on opening of the schools.
Schools across the UT were closed for the second consecutive year in 2021 to contain the spread of COVID-19. The schools were opened on even odd basis in March 2021 but in view of a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the UT, schools were again closed for physical classwork in entire Jammu Kashmir.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, several parent bodies in north Kashmir districts appealed the UT administration to take concrete steps to open the schools for physical education.
“Outdoor markets are open, stadiums are open, transport is plying with 50 percent seating capacity, government offices are witnessing attendance but what annoys one is that educational institutions are closed,” said Aijaz Ahmad Khan, whose son is studying in a private school in Baramulla.
“My two children have lost their interest in online education. They don’t want to take part in live classes offered by their school. Government should start opening of schools after Eid ul Adha atleast on even odd days,” said another parent.
Earlier UT administration lifted weekend lockdown from several districts, asking shopkeepers to resume their business taking enough precautionary measures in view of COVID-19.
“Few days back, Srinagar administration told restaurant owners to open for in-dine at 50 percent of the total capacity. 50 percent of the shops in indoor shopping complexes/Malls are also allowed to open at a particular time as per the schedule already shared by administration. But when it comes to educational institutions, they seems in no mood,” said another parent Tariq Ahmad Bhat.
Even several private school associations are also in favor of opening of the schools in 50 percent seating capacity.
Showkat Majeed, a parent from from Handwara told Kashmir Despatch that students are caged inside their homes from last two years without any socialization and it is the best time for administration to open the schools on even odd basis.
“Online education has left my son with vision problems. Due to excessive use of electronic devices, he has developed some issues with the eyes. Doctor prescribed no use of electronic devices, not even for studies and contact lenses. He is merely 5 years old and we are perturbed as on one hand he is losing his education while as on other hand his health is deteriorating due to online classes,” Showkat added.
The parents appealed the UT administration to take a final call on opening of the schools on even odd basis in order to let the students acquire the knowledge.
