Opening of govt schools in Rajasthan worries teachers

JAIPUR: With relaxations in lockdown, discussions are going on to re-open schools while practicing social distancing.
Government teachers have expressed concerns whether it will be possible for the state government to provide facilities in every school for social distancing.
Unlike private schools, government schools do not have infrastructure in classrooms, furniture and budget for handwash/sanitizers that have been made mandatory under corona protocol.According to many private schools that TOI contacted, they have already started to chalk out plans about the precautions to be taken – running schools in shifts, thermal scanners, hand sanitizers, censor water taps, masks, one student on a bench etc.
In government schools, it is difficult to have such facilities given the low budget. “Most of the primary schools are being run in one or two rooms. If the government is planning to call the secondary classes first, the population of students is higher in class IX and X. It will be difficult to maintain social distancing. Moreover, will the government be able to provide an extra budget for it?” said the principal of a government school on condition of anonymity.
The state government recently started online classes for government schoolchildren which is said to be ineffective as most students in rural areas do not possess smartphones and internet. Hence, reopening of schools looks more urgent.
Spokesperson of Rajasthan Shikshak Evam Panchayati Raj Karamchari Sangh, Narayan Singh Sisodia said, “It is not feasible for the government to call students in both private and government schools. Government schools already lack basic infrastructure. Students of various classes sit in one classroom. How many shifts will we have for social distancing? We provide mid-day meals in our schools and we expect them to wear clean masks every day. It will be risky.”
Government officials were not available for any comment.
Expressing concerns about the situation, education expert K B Kothari said, “Getting water for washing hands will be a difficulty in government schools. Israel and South Korea had to shut down their schools after re-opening. Problem with Rajasthan is that no one in the government is making a plan for re-opening given the limited resources. They all are waiting for central guidelines.”