Postponed reopening of schools in Nagpur

Nagpur: The physical classes for classes I-VII in this city have once again been postponed till at least the date of 15th December. Because these officials are also waiting for more information about the seriousness of the Omicron virus. And in rural areas even after they have been cleared by the state government, classes I-XII continue to work in physical mode as well.

However, it also poses a huge academic challenge for students from poor socio-economic backgrounds as they are unable to access online classes.

Ashok Gavhankar Senior Educationist has said that there is a situation right now where we are forcibly depriving school children of education. They cannot attend online classes at all as it requires a data pack and smartphone. Both these are expenses that are far beyond the reach of students coming from slums. And both the parents of the kids are barely earning around 8,000 per month. Because of this, there is no possibility of spending money on a monthly data pack or smartphone in any way.

School closures are a criminal offense in pre-coronavirus times, says senior academic Ashok Gawankar.

Government policy is flawed

Ashok has said that according to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, children of the specified age group cannot be deprived of education at all. If this happens before the year 2020, then the director of the school or the parents, or whoever is preventing the child from going to school will be arrested.

But whenever schools have been ordered to be closed. The government has also expressed concern over the health of children vaccinated without covid.

Academics have said that you walk half a kilometer towards rural. And then children can also attend classes from class 1-XII. But you walk half a kilometer towards the city, and then only children of class VIII-XII can participate. I want to understand what medical and scientific phenomenon happens within municipal limits that children of only one age group become absolutely vulnerable.

An education official has also pointed out that these changing policies are confusing for his department as well. Our offices are located inside the city, but the district council schools are located in rural areas under our direct jurisdiction. And some of the city school principals come to visit us for administrative work. And also ask that when villager’s schools are functioning as per normal schedule then why can’t they reopen.

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