Srinagar: After the surge in COVID-19 cases, the government ordered closure of all the educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir upto class 12th but surprisingly pre-schools continue to operate in uptowns areas in Srinagar.
According to the details available with Precious Kashmir a few pre-schools are functioning in Humhama, Rawalpora, and other uptown areas. “One fails to understand what these pre-schools are teaching the kids below 4-yrs of age amidst the second COVID-19 wave,” asked a parent.
It’s in place to mention here that the government had ordered the closure of schools after these institutions turned into COVID-19 hot spots as many students and teachers tested positive for the pestilence.
On Thursday the State Executive Committee (SEC) said that the Schools in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall continue to remain closed for imparting on-campus or in-person education to the students of all classes till April 30.
Besides schools, the government said that all the coaching and tuition centers imparting in-person teaching to students shall also remain closed in the entire UT till April 30.
Another parent said, “These pre-schools are openly flouting the government order and are putting at risk the lives of small kids. If an 18-year old cannot go to school what’s the logic behind asking kids below 4-years to attend the offline classes in the pre-schools.”
A medico said, ‘The government should close these pre-schools without any delay as it can lead to a catastrophe. Kids can act as potential carriers of the virus and infect the elders in their homes.”
He said, “At present our priority is to prevent the number of Covid cases from increasing. Keeping pre-schools open is not acceptable. The managements of these institutions need to be pulled up and administration should act.”
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Syed Abdul Hanief Balkhi said that necessary action will be initiated in this regard. “We will send a team to verify the reports and if any violations are found, necessary action will be initiated,” he told Precious Kashmir.
According to the officials a detailed review of the current COVID-19 situation in Jammu and Kashmir was conducted with the Financial Commissioner, Health Department, Administrative Secretary School Education, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir regions and other officers. “It was decided during the meeting that educational institutions will remain closed till April 30. It’s surprising that pre-schools are not adhering to the government directions. If the reports are found true these institutions will be sealed,” said an official.
