Iqbal Chahal, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Chief, has confirmed to the media that schools in Mumbai shall remain closed till January 31, 2022. However this will be done only for classes 1-8. Schools for classes 10th and 12th shall remain running.
‘We have decided to close Mumbai schools from classed 1-8 till January 31, 2022.‘ Said BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal.
How will Mumbai schools hold classes for classes 1st to 8th?
As of now, there are no separate SOPs for classes to be held now. Schools are expected to carry on online classes, like before, until winter vacations begin.
On one hand, most parents as well as teachers, students are happy with the decision. There is a small segment that still believe it will be more important to give weightage to offline education over online education, despite the risks. Social media is abuzz at this very moment with reactions from different quarters.
It may be noted that in other states like UP, Odisha also the decision to close schools again has been taken. In some states, the reason for closing is a mix of the Omicron scare as well as the cold wave.
Offline classes for 10th, 12th
As per BMC’s decision, classes should be held for class 10, 12 students. However schools have not clarified whether they will do this or not given the new Omicron scare. Moreover, students, parents are bewildered at why some students should be asked to come to school despite the imminent health risks, while others are not.
Expressing the confusion, students ask, do class 10th, 12th students have superpower?

It may be noted that until this announcement, there was significant confusion and chaos among schools, parents, and students about re-opening of schools. Schools had been given the directive to open the premises for offline classes from January. Several schools had already sent messages and emails to parents and students to convey the same. However, this was met with backlash, with social media being dominated by the backlash.

What are your views?
Is closing schools in Mumbai the right decision?
What should be done about class 10, 12? Is it right to hold offline classes?
What about schools outside Mumbai?