CHANDIGARH: Having shut schools at the time of inception of the third wave, the Haryana education department has decided to open regular schools for the students of classes 10 to 12 from February 1 onwards.
The decision for reopening schools for classes 1 to 9 is not yet taken. Education minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar said that the government shall take the call on this account after February 15.
"As of now, around 75 of the school-going children have got the first dose of vaccine, hence the risk factor is quite low with them. Rest we have adopted a wait and watch policy for the junior ones," said Gujjar.
He, however, added that the students, as well as school managements, shall have to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour. The students of class 10 to 12 also have the option of attending the lectures online.
Meanwhile, managements of private school associations have repeated their demands of starting schools for all the classes. "Only educational institutions and schools can give the best and safe atmosphere to the children. We wonder how a child is safer in the market and at liquor vends than going to school. The government is just avoiding the sentiments of school managements who have already suffered alot," said Kulbhushan Sharma, president of Federation of Private Schools of Haryana.
Sharma urged the education minister Gujjar as well the education department to make opening schools for classes 1 to 9 discretionary. "Let parents and managements decide on this account," he added.
