Pvt schools hold classes amid pandemic, parents fume

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 7: The private schools in Srinagar are once again in news for the wrong reasons.
According to the parents, many private schools are asking guardians to drop and pick their wards from these institutions daily. “Parents who are resisting the diktat are being told in clear terms that if they fail to get their ward to the school, his name will be taken off the rolls,” said, Farooq Ahmed, whose son studies in a prominent private school near HMT on city outskirts.
It may be recalled that recently the government announced that all the educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed till December 31. “Despite clear cut instructions from the government a few private schools have started offline classes. Students have been asked to come without uniform. These schools are not running their buses, instead they are asking the students to reach on their own,” Farooq Ahmed added.
Another parent said, “A few private schools have started offline classes just to hoodwink the students and parents. Managements of these private schools want the students to clear all their dues before the new academic session starts. That’s the reason that students are being asked to attend the school even during the pandemic.”
He said, “If these private schools are so keen on making the students attend the classes then they should restart their buses and tell the government that they are opening the schools on their own risk and responsibility. Asking parents to run after their children is being too unfair.”
A principal of a private school said, “The private institutions are not forcing anyone to come forward and attend the classes. Students of higher classes are being provided guidance on the voluntary basis. I believe there is nothing wrong in doing so.”
He said, “In Kashmir private schools are being watched by everyone. Media waits for a chance to take a dig at these institutions that are playing a vital role in shaping the future of younger generation. I don’t think that anyone should have any objection about these institutions imparting education to children of the higher classes within the school premises on the voluntary basis.”
The principal said, “We are not compelling the parents to bring their wards to schools. It’s a voluntary exercise. We should support it rather than criticizing the move.”
A parent said, “Despite schools remaining closed we have been paying all the dues on time. These schools should focus on online classes till the COVID vaccine comes. The schools can become COVID-19 hotspots if precautions are not taken.”