School reopening: Covid 19 safety training mandatory for teachers in Kashmir

Srinagar: Ahead of school reopening, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to impart special training to teachers in the Covid safety protocols.

Around 1000 schools will receive a certificate from the Srinagar District Administration after its teachers undergo a capacity building programme. 

The government will also train students and interact with the parents as part of its school plan before the reopening of schools in March.

 “It is important that we prepare the schools for safety norms. We have launched a one-month long programme where we will train the students, interact with parents. We have started with the capacity building of teachers. All schools where we impart training will be given a certificate that we have done capacity building. A safety plan is being prepared. We have around 450 government schools, 500 plus private schools, and over 100 coaching centers. The programme is mandatory for all,” said Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary

He said the district administration will provide infrastructure support for safety and hygiene to schools. “There is a need to have a close emotional bonding with parents and that is why we are preparing the teachers. We are working in a mission mode by tying up with all schools to provide psychological support to students,” he said.

The DC Srinagar also reiterated that the schools will open as per schedule. “Schools will open on time. We cannot prepare them overnight and it will take us three-four weeks to prepare,” he said.

The government had earlier notified that schools in the Jammu region will reopen from February 1 and ‘as per schedule’ in Kashmir valley after the winter break.

However, the government order had said standard operating procedures will have to be followed in letter and spirit as per the suggestions of the district disaster management authorities.