Zero attendance in govt institutions as schools partially reopen in Jammu

Zero attendance marked the opening all government schools here after six long months amid COVID-10 pandemic. Few private schools in this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, however, registered 50 per cent attendance.

The educational institutions reopened for class 9th to 12th with all SOPs and guidelines in place. Education authorities have also issued 'Letter of Consent' for parents allowing their wards to attend the school.

However, the government schools witnessed almost zero attendance of students barring few private institutions with 50 per cent students strength. The Government has allowed students of Class 9 to 12 to visit schools on a voluntary basis. "We have conducted sanitisation and fumigation at the school. We'll ensure all #COVID19 SOPs by govt are followed," said one of the school principals.

Another Principal of a private school said, "we have made all arrangements with regard to OPs/guidelines in view of pandemic. Fumigation and sanitisation of the school is done and students attending the school have been seated with social distancing in place," he said adding that 90 students consented to attend the school.

Meanwhile, students expressed happiness over attending the school after a long gap and meeting classmates. Most of them said that due to low speed internet facility, they were unable to attend the online classes but now at least they would attend classes regularly.

The Jammu School Education has circulated 'Letter of Consent' to be submitted by the parents with an undertaking that they shall be personally responsible, if there is any untoward incident like corona virus infection with their ward and school shall not be blamed.

To ensure that their children to follow all the guidelines and maintain the complete social distancing and hygiene to ensure safety and health, to ensure that children shall follow the SOP's of government rules regarding the COVID-19 by taking proper precautions.

They shall be provided a face mask and hand sanitizer required as per the guidelines of the government and also ensure that they shall not wear belt, rings, wrist watch when go to the school.