– Sukanya Nandy

While the Karnataka government had directed degree colleges to reopen in the state from November 17, the status regarding the reopening of schools is yet unknown. Primary and Secondary Education Minister S. Suresh Kumar had earlier scheduled a meeting with concerned officials for November 4. He had stated, “We are seriously studying the Andhra Pradesh model for reopening of schools. Prior to taking any decision, we need to examine everything as it is a question of students’ lives.”

But, going against the government’s directives, Merry Mount High School in Venkateshpuram, Bengaluru has reopened physical classes for students of classes 7, 9 and 10 for three hours per day. According to sources, the principal of the school has warned students and their parents that if the children do not attend school, they won’t be promoted to the next class. Classes were held on November 18 and 19 and the timings included 11 am to 2 pm.

While the students have been asked to attend the school, teachers were not available. “Only the principal is taking the class as there are no teachers and he gives work to two classes and then teaches only Math to class 10 students,” sources added, stating that the class is left unsupervised, which is risky. The kids have paid and received books earlier this week.

While classes 9 and 10 have been open for a while, class 7 reopened after Diwali. 

One of the parent, whose son studies in the school says, “The school is yet to reopen physical class and only online classes are going on. The admissions have been completed. The government is yet to provide any directives regarding the reopening of schools and hence, the school will follow as and when the government announces.”

We tried reaching out to the principal of the school but was unavailable for a comment.

Read: Karnataka: Govt warns schools against violating online class rules

Also read: Karnataka: TV classes for class 5-7 to be aired from November 23

Also read: Karnataka: 500 private schools on the brink of closure

Also read: Bengaluru online classes: Govt to monitor school hours