Delhi schools to recommence from Monday, parents still skeptical

NEW DELHI: After being shut for nearly 10 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in the national capital are set to reopen from Monday, January 18, for the students of Class 10 and 12. Nevertheless, parents are still hesitant whether to permit their wards to attend.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) has decided to recommence schools, closed since the first 21-day nationwide lockdown was implemented in March, 2020, in the view of expected Central Board of Secondary Education board examinations. Schools that recommence will have to adhere to the standard operating procedures issued in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes social distancing, mandatory mask wearing and sanitation, and others.

Manish Sisodia, Ministry of Education, GNCTD, on Sunday, January 17, tweeted that he had a review meeting with the senior education department officials. “Everyone is looking forward and is a little nervous at having Class 10 and 12 students back in the schools from Monday for practicals. All preparations, including sanitisers, masks, and social distancing measures are in place,” said Sisodia.

The Directorate of Education (DoE), GNCTD, has made it clear that students can attend the school only if their parents allow it, and the school administration cannot compel physical attendance of their students. DoE has also directed the schools not to hold assemblies and physical outdoor activities. However, parents are still unsure if they would send their children to school.