Itanagar, Jun 8:  To discuss the all-important issue of reopening of schools and colleges in the state in the context of the prevailing Covid situation, Capital Deputy Commissioner Komkar Dulom on Monday convened a consultative meeting with the parents/CBOs/students’ unions/associations/principals/headmasters of various schools/colleges etc.
The chief aim of the meeting was to gather suggestions from these stakeholders and it was unanimously opined that the state government should not propose to reopen schools until August 31 and also stressed that prior to opening, chalking out of the modalities and devising clear-cut SOPs must be done. The participating parents were particular in mentioning that a safe environment where the aspects of health and hygiene are to be taken due, care must be ensured. 
General Secretary, NES Heri Maring stressed on the need to have proper awareness amongst teachers and students to remove the fear psychosis and informed that the Society earlier in a meeting with the Home Minister had already submitted a representation wherein they agreed to reopening of schools, but with proper SOPs. I/c Headmaster GUPS Barapani Jummar Kena stressed on minimization of syllabus for the current academic session similar to the CBSE. Principals of Dera Natung Government College, Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College and Don Bosco College placed their suggestions and informed that they have already commenced online classes.
President, Arunachal Pradesh Private School Association James Techi Tara informed that a survey on reopening of schools had received mixed reactions from the parents. Vice President AAPSU Meje Taku stressed on the need to have an Expert Committee comprising all stakeholders and framing of the SOPs before deciding on reopening of schools.
Secretary General APWWS Kani Nada Malling stressed on the need for proper awareness as a precursor to the commencement of normal classes and Urban Health Coordinator Itanagar Dr Kabak Tamar while deliberating that schools shouldn’t open in a hasty manner, highlighted the aspects concerning the health parameters like sanitisation, mental well-being of students, COTPA Act etc. During the meeting, various attendants while informing that online classes had started in many schools also divulged that the desired smoothness has not been attained.
Based on the suggestions, it was  clear that  all stakeholders are of the unanimous opinion that schools in the state should wait till August  31 for reopening and the period in between should be utilised in building up Covid-centric infrastructure like furniture for social distancing, water supply, availability of masks, sanitizers etc.
It was further suggested that during the lapsed period, state government can prescribe for alternative activities like home assignments etc. to keep the students engaged. A few of the participants also recommended that schools can be started in a staggered manner in conformity with the SOPs and the government shouldn’t rush to reopen all schools in one go.
DC highlighted the state’s current Covid situation and informed that all the returnees are completing their mandatory quarantine periods at the quarantine centres and it is only after coming of their test reports as negative, they are being sent for home quarantine. Appealing all the stakeholders to cooperate with the administration in fighting the pandemic, he urged not to flare up the issue of home quarantine and exhorted all to play the role of public vigilantes in their respective sectors.
Altogether, 26 representatives from various organizations attended the meeting. DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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