November 23, 2020.
TED NewsDesk, Lucknow: The UP government has decided to open its schools and colleges after approximately eight months of closure due to the COVID-19 ensued lockdown. The schools have reopened from today, although there will only be 50% attendance on the part of the students on a rotational basis.
According to Rakesh Jain, Coordinator, Admission Committee of National PG College Lucknow,
“Students will be allowed only if they bring their parents’ consent letter. Classes will run both online and offline so that students do not miss out on lectures. We have sanitised our college premises thoroughly to ensure the safety of the students.”
The state government has put down some guidelines which are compulsory for every student to follow who wish to attend the classes. According to the guidelines, all students who step out for school are supposed to wear masks, carry sanitisers, download ArogyaSetu App, maintain six feet distance at all costs and do not share any belongings like books, pens etc., with each other.
On their part, the universities and colleges have to make thermal scanning equipment available and provide hand sanitisers as well as running water for staff and students to wash their hands. Parent sand teachers have to make sure the students follow the health guidelines laid down by the state in all situations.
At no point inside the campus should there be congestion of students, neither at the gates nor at the counters or entrances to the classrooms. Additionally, they will only be allowed to attend the classes if they bring a letter of consent from their parents.
Many colleges have sanitised their campuses before the classes start. According to Vineeta Prakash, Principal of IT College, “We will start post-graduate practical classes first as the theory section can be taught online. Gradually we will call third and second year UG students. First-year students will be the last to be called.”
Many colleges are adopting similar strategies. Avadh Girls PG College will hold classes for 1st-year students on Mondays, 2nd-year students on Tuesdays and 3rd-year students on Wednesdays. According to Principal Upma Chaturvedi, “We have divided classes in small groups among different subject teachers. Students are required to bring consent letters from parents.”
With such measures, it is hoped that the students will be able to attend classes and continue offline education without succumbing to the Coronavirus. Although it remains to be seen how the state provided guidelines are followed both by the students and the staff. Whether the reopening was a good idea will depend on the cautionary measures followed by everyone involved.
Source: Hindustan Times