Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jun 5: Although the lockdown is almost completely relaxed, yet the growing number of cases day by day is a major concern. In such a situation, the government seemed to be in a hurry to reopen schools, but the statements given in this regard is still unclear.

Addressing at the Udupi press club on Friday, June 5, a social worker Mohammad Sheesh questioned the government saying, "What is the necessary to take decisions in a hurry during such critical period?" he said.

With every passing day the district is witnessing fresh cases daily which is a major worry for parents sending their wards to school. But the government seemed to be neglecting the concern of the parents. While many children are enrolled in government schools, and the schools and hostels were used as quarantine centers.

While many countries have witnessed increased number of students contracting the virus after reopening of schools, it is still a bigger concern if it is safe to reopen schools in the current scenario. While everyone is aware on how institutions function, would it be possible to trust the school management to strictly adhere to precautionary rules provided by the government, were questions posed by the social worker.

The government has not given any clear statements on school reopenings which has also led to confusions, contracdicting and confusing statements regarding reopening of schools can lead to students and parents being very apprehensive, he said.

It is witnessed in public places how difficult it is for adults to maintain social distancing, how could one expect school going children to maintain social distancing. Keeping a constant eye on all the institutions to follow the guidelines is not feasible, sanitizing the toilets after every use would be highly challenging which can pose major threat in spreading the virus.

Some private schools have already started collecting fees and pressurizing the parents to buy textbooks, the government must intervene and give a clarity in this regard, he said.

He demanded that the schools should reopen only after the monsoons until then management should wait to collect fees.

Sunil Bailakere, Pramod Uchil, Soori Surendra Udupi, Habeeb Udupi, Emthiyaz Udupi were also present for the press meet.