Decision to open schools too early, measures too little: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri today said that the decision of the Government to open schools in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is too early and the measures being adopted are too little. He urged the Government to review its decision in this context and ensure complete safety of students and teachers before allowing them into schools. 

Raman Suri said that usage of sanitisers alone cannot help unless safe distance is maintained at the time of entering schools as well as inside the premises including classrooms, playground and staff room. There are several schools which do not have much number of classrooms besides adequate size of classrooms, where children can be made to sit at a distance from each

other. 

He said that otherwise also, this is the time when most of the schools observe summer holidays. Now, when teachers had been taking online classes which, as per the Government, are going on absolutely right, there is no need of reopening schools at this stage when it is time for summer vacations. Since the syllabus of students is being covered perfectly and there is no hue and cry,

The government should reconsider its decision and should not make haste, as this will put the lives of lakhs of children at risk. There are several Government offices that are not maintaining hygiene and social distancing, many are having full attendance and even those, which are not essential services, are operating

with full strength. This is really alarming, especially when an advisor to  lieutenant Governor,

Commissioner Secretary rank officials and Mayor have gone into quarantine. Raman Suri urged the Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu to personally take a call on this foreseen trouble in coming days.

Raman Suri said, since day one of the coronavirus crisis, the J&K Government is doing an applaudable job and handling everything perfectly. It is because of the Government's tireless and persistent efforts that J&K is successfully beating this virus. He said, continuing with its efficiency, the Government must focus on online education or e-learning for school, college as

well as university goers rather than reopening these institutions. Just as schools functioned from 8 am-2 pm, and had around 40 minutes periods with proper time tables, similarly online classes should be organised during school hours, which should follow proper time tables and timings. At this hour, several other states have either announced summer holidays or kept school openings on hold.

There is a panic amongst parents as well as children due to schools' reopening decision. There are many governments as well as private schools that do not have enough infrastructure to ensure proper safety of the children and teachers in the current COVID-19 crisis. Even to reach school and to go back to home, children and teachers will have to travel through various means of transport

like school buses, vans, private vehicles, etc. which is quite risky, keeping in view the nature of coronavirus. 

Also, in old Jammu city, there are schools functioning from vertical and densely populated buildings, which are not even ventilated. Raman Suri urged the Government not to rush through things and do first things first.