Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is expected to take the decision regarding the reopening of schools in the next meeting. Yesterday, a meeting was held in which the first part was supporting the decision of school reopening whereas the second part was against this decision. However, since the panel was not able to arrive at a definite conclusion, it was decided to take this matter to the next meeting.
The meeting panel was chaired by Delhi’s Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia were the notable members of the meeting. Addressing the meeting, Manish Sisodia said, that although online classes are right now the safest option they cannot replace traditional classroom learning.
He also put forth the memorandum presented to him by a group of 1600 parents and pediatricians who supported this decision of school reopening. The minister was also quoted saying that as now the Covid-19 third wave is under control hence it is best to re-open the schools.
Although this decision is still pending, the DDMA has decided to lift the weekend curfew in the city and has also announced to open the shops in the Odd-Even system of opening the non-essential schools. Public places like offices, gyms, restaurants shall now open with only 50% capacity. Another key decision that was taken in today’s meeting was conducting weddings with 50% occupancy in indoor venues not more than 200 guests in the outdoor venue.
Reaction from Parents and Lawyers
The impending decision on school reopening did not go well with a group of lawyers and school personnel who found the decision to be really disappointing. They were quoted saying that more than 80% of the students are fully vaccinated then why was this decision kept on hold?
The parents demanded a strong reason for this decision and urged the panel and key people to think about reopening the school in the city. According to educationists, online classes have a long-term detrimental impact on the overall thought process of the students. In the absence of physical interaction, the students are facing anxiety and negative behavioral changes.
