There has been a consistent drop in the Covid-19 caseload and positivity rate in Jammu and Kashmir. In the last 24 hour, J&K logged 1153 fresh convid cases, lowest in 26 since January 11. The scenario has built a strong case for reopening schools for all classes across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a cautious and careful move, the authorities have ordered to continue the “online” teaching in all colleges, schools, polytechnics, ITIs, etc, it has allowed Coaching Centres for Civil Services, Engineering, NEET etc. to resume in-person teaching at 50% of their capacity subject to condition that both faculty members as well as students are fully vaccinated.
According to government data, at least 95 per cent of the teaching and non-teaching staff in schools in all states and UTs has been vaccinated, while some states have achieved 100 per cent vaccination coverage for the staffers. These figures should reassure parents and prompt them to send their children to school without any fear or hesitation.
The losses suffered by children during their these years is inestimable. The school closures not only affected learning process but affected children on various other fronts.
Over these years, worldwide, many credible institutions have raised red flags about the deteriorating mental health conditions of students after school closure. Educationists and NGOs are voicing similar concerns on various platforms. Concerns galore on far-reaching and deadly implications on the future of youngsters. All this has naturally added to the concern of the people and authorities to reopen schools.
Online education can never replace offline education and this fact stands proved beyond doubt. The excessive caution is now harming students and as such efforts must be done to reopen the schools. Vaccination should be ensured to all eligible.
Lieutenant Governor rightly emphasized that the vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the Covid pandemic. He also made a “humble request” to the young people to get vaccinated. He also rightly emphasized people not to be complacent after getting vaccinated. It’s crucial to continue following COVID protocols and guidelines. The government needs to create awareness and boost confidence among the people, especially among the parents of the eligible children, to get vaccinated. What has been seen is that the vaccination has surely helped reduce hospitalizations.
Assuming that the worst of the pandemic is over, it’s time to restore pre-Covid normalcy to the school campuses. Measures should be taken now so as to ensure hassle-free reopening of the schools after winter vacations in Kashmir as well as in the summer zone of Jammu.
