PANAJI
There is a difference of opinion among parents, teachers, headmasters' association, school managements, educationists, and other stakeholders with regards to reopening of schools in the State.
Many have opined that it would be risky to restart schools when the cases of Covid are increasing while a smaller fraction is in favour of a formula based resumption of physical classes with with less number of students.
Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro was of the view that govt shuldn't take a hurried step in reopening schools. "Education is important but also the health of people is equally important. The government should keep the schools closed and concentrate more on conducting online classes."
President of Goa Headmasters' Association Mariano Waldaris had this to say: "Looking at the rate of Covid positive cases the general opinion against restarting of schools. It won't be an easy call for the govt."
Batting for reopening, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawde pitched for classrooms with 15 to 20 students.
Educationist Pandurang Nadkarni said there are fewer students in villages while its high in city schools. He was of the view that decision to to reopen schools would be risky.
"In other states of the country where schools have reopened the number of Covid cases have increased. This is the reason the government should not think of resuming schools now," he said.
Anil Samant from Mapusa said the government should take a decision after taking parents and teachers into confidence. The government can initially start classes on alternate days which have less number of students.
