COVID-19 | Teachers, parents irked over Maharashtra govt. decision to close schools

‘Discriminatory and damaging to students as there is no rise in COVID-19 cases in many parts of State’

The Maharashtra government’s directive to close schools till February 15 in the wake of the spread of the Omicron variant, even in rural areas and parts where there is no rise in number of COVID-19 patients, has irked teachers and parents with many teacher groups terming it discriminatory and damaging to students who have already lost around two years of primary education.

“Will government close down schools in Mumbai and Thane if remote places like Nandurbar or Gadchiroli witness COVID cases? It will not. Then why these remote parts where online education is practically impossible are forced to shut down schools for surge in cases in urban areas?” asked Bhau Chaskar of the Active Teachers Forum (ATF), a teacher in government school in Akole in Ahmednagar district.

Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope, asked about the closure, said the Cabinet had discussed this issue. “Cases are increasing in rural areas as well. We do not think there should be any change in the decision. Schools will remain closed for the next 10-15 days at least. Based on the situation after this, we will take a decision,” he said.