Students must not be forced to attend schools, says Minister

‘State government yet to take a call on reopening of schools for Classes VI to VIII’

In the prevailing situation, private schools must not force students to attend in-person classes, Minister of School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said on Thursday.

He took part at an interaction organised here by the Confederation of Indian Industry with private school representatives. Speaking to journalists later, he said parents remained concerned about the safety of their children in schools following the reopening for Classes IX-XII. “If the students are interested, they can come [to schools].”

As for the allegation that private schools did not adequately report COVID-19 cases to the authorities, Mr. Mahesh Poyyamozhi said contracting the virus was “not a crime” and the private schools must alert the Department of School Education even if a single case was detected. All schools must follow the standard operating procedure, the Minister said.

Mr. Poyyamozhi said the government was yet to decide on the reopening of schools for Classes VI-VIII, and it would consider all factors before taking a decision.

Schools raise concerns

According to a release from the CII, representatives of the private schools in Coimbatore district highlighted the issues such as difficulties in conducting online classes and physical education for children and regulatory approval for schools. Mr. Mahesh Poyyamozhi said these issues were under the consideration of the government and assured them that his Department would help to remove the hurdles faced by schools.

The Minister also urged private schools to provide adequate facilities to children from rural areas and ensure inclusivity in the enrolment of students, including those with special needs.