Kolkata: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed at Calcutta High Court on Monday alleging that without proper planning West Bengal government has decided to reopen schools from Class IX to Class XII in the state from November 16.
The petitioner, Sudip Ghosh Chowdhury claimed that currently the COVID-19 situation is getting worse, and in the midst of that crisis the state government has decided to reopen schools from Class IX to Class XII. According to the state government notification, regular classes for Class IX and Class X will be conducted from 9.30 AM to 3.30 PM and from 10 AM to 4.30 PM for Class XI and Class XII.
The petitioner claimed that these students are yet to be vaccinated and hence chances of them getting affected are higher. He demanded the formation of an expert committee to suggest how schools can be run for a curtailed period in phases.
On October 29, the state education department sent letters to all schools in the state informing that the state government proposes to reopen schools from Class IX to Class XII in phases from November 16. According to a notification, all the schools were advised to start classes following COVID-19 protocols and after proper sanitization of classrooms. All students, teaching and non-teaching staff were advised to strictly maintain COVID-19 protocols and wear masks while in school. The school authorities were also advised to sensitize students.
However, the petitioner critiqued the feasibility of maintaining social distancing and Covid protocol. He requested the court to take a decision after reviewing the situation.
Recalling, schools and educational institutions in the state have remained closed for the last two years owing to the pandemic.
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