VASCO
Schools in the port town resumed on Monday morning with several children coming back to school after a long break amid the Covid pandemic.
Even as schools started and parents arrived with their children at the school gates, there was some confusion over a consent form that had to be submitted by parents at some schools.
As the day passed by and with some parents creating an issue, some schools also complained to the ADEI in the matter and the ADEI later clarified that the consent form was a requirement as per the SOPs mentioned in the latest circular issued by the Education Department.
As the issue was being debated by parents and staff, some parents rushed to the ADEI’s office but officials were not present in the office.
A parent, Chandrashekar Vasta, said parents had arrived at the schools only to find out that the school wanted an undertaking that parents would send children to school at their own risk.
"We asked the school if they can also give us in writing if they will take responsibility for our children in school. We are not willing to send our children at our own risk and if there was any risk, then why did the government restart schools," asked Vasta.
"The school did not even convene a PTA meeting and will parents be responsible if anything goes wrong with the children? The government should not force us to send children to schools and the option for online classes must be kept open as well.”
“We can't be forced to sign a consent form just because the government does not want to take the risk while restarting schools when the pandemic is not completely over. The government could start schools from the next academic year in June," said Vasta.
Later in the day, ADEI Valsala Viswambaram said parents were directed to sign the consent form as it was mentioned in the SOPs and the schools were advised to take the consent forms.
"I have visited schools and they are running smoothly and there are no grievances now," said Viswambaram.
