Srinagar, May 13, 2020
The Department of School Education in Kashmir is considering the need of reopening schools across Kashmir division from next month, probably to compensate the academic loss caused by Corona virus.
According to reports, department of school education Kashmir is planning to reopen the schools in the first week of June to avert further loss of the studies. A senior official of the J&K administration stated that the government has ordered complete renovation of schools in Kashmir. “We will soon start whitewashing and fumigation of the school buildings and the same will be completed by the end of this month,” official told media.
Another official said the department was planning to take a call on skipping morning assembly and holding shift-wise classes. “A decision in this regard will be out soon,” he said, adding that the decision to reopen schools has been taken in view of interruptions caused during online classes due to the poor internet speed.
In his recent meeting with education officials, J&K Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu directed them to review the department’s functioning and the conduct of online classes, besides distribution of dry ration for midday meals among schoolchildren.
Following the LGs directions, an official communiqué was also sent to the UT school education director stating that all government school buildings should be whitewashed before their opening.
School education principal secretary Asgar Hassan Samoon urged all private schools to defer fee collections from students. “It is a tough time for the parents and students,” he said.
“We have distributed 60,000 books and 1,200 educational tablets among the students not having access to mobile phones,” he said adding, “It is being done to enhance their virtual learning experience.”
Kashmir private schools association president G N Var opined that schools should be reopened in the valley. “One is not sure how long will the virus scare continue, but we can’t see more academic loss of students. We have suffered it in past as well,” he said.