Schools unlikely to reopen, Govt. admits it’s a risk

Srinagar: Uncertainty is looming large over the reopening of schools in the valley.

Earlier this month, the education department had said that they were planning to reopen schools from the first week of June.

However, the department seems to be in two minds given the surge in COVID 19 cases.

“Opening of schools involves a bigger risk. We are planning to hold a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor and district magistrates of all the ten districts of the valley over the reopening of schools. After their feedback, we will take a final decision,” Principal Secretary to Government, School Education department, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon told The Kashmir Monitor.

He said the reopening of schools will increase the public movement in the valley which means the end of lockdown. “There are 15 lakh students studying in government schools and another 10 lakh are in private schools. Once schools open, there will be increased public movement. This will end the lockdown,” he said.

Samoon noted that the department has to act responsibly keeping in mind the current situation. “We need to wait. We will go for winter schooling and hold supplementary classes to make up for academic deficiencies,” he said.

President, Private School Association, GN Var said they have finalized all preparations and are waiting for the government’s nod.

Centre has recently relaxed some restrictions and permitted limited transport services and e-commerce operations. According to the central government’s order, all activities, except the ones “specifically prohibited”, will be allowed in green, orange, red, and buffer zones, which continue to be classified by the States/UTs and district authorities.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement said no decision has been taken on the reopening of schools and colleges.