Dear Editor, Jammu Kashmir Administration’s decision to reopen educational institutions especially schools, in a phased manner from February 14 to February 28, though involves serious risks but was inevitable given receding trend of COVID infection in the Union Territory. Besides, the Administration also said that the offline classes in Jammu region for 9th to 12th standard shall commence February-14 and in the case of Winter Zone Schools of J&K shall commence offline teaching for all classes after 28th of February 2022.There has been consistent demand and debate over the reopening of schools and higher educational institutions encouraged by the inoculation coverage of younger segments and COVID showing a downward trend. Obviously, a consensus among public health experts must have arrived before taking this important decision and also for the benefits to students and society at large. The crippling absence of education for millions in the country has raised the question of whether governments have shown alacrity to limit the harm from prolonged closures. In a broad-based study by economists at national level in August last year showed that a mere 8 per cent of students in rural areas had regular access to online learning and 37 per cent were not studying at all. It also found that only a minority of students with smartphones, i.e., 31 per cent in urban areas and 15 per cent in rural settings, received regular instruction. The statistical figures on the accessibility to online teaching in Jammu & Kashmir were probably more gloomy vis a viz to national level figures. This crisis has remained neglected for nearly two years, and the findings underscore the need for in-person teaching to resume. Among the major concerns surrounding reopening of schools is possible transmission of the virus on campuses and in schools, with implications for vulnerable individuals in the students’ home. Many public health experts argue that younger children, typically in the 6 to 14 years age group, have the lowest risk of moderate or severe COVID-19 infection, while this is also the cohort that needs good foundational teaching. Most of these students are not eligible for vaccination. Placing this in context with the disruption that has taken place in schools, the years of quality teaching time that have been lost and, the entrenching of inequality among well-off children and those who are dependent on schools not only for learning but also a nutritious meal, it is clear that schools, in good conscience, cannot be allowed to remain shut. Vaccination of teachers and school staff and eligible students, and free testing for all are other major factors. Hesitancy or refusal should be firmly countered. Governments should end their populist indulgence of unsafe behaviour in public spaces to prevent community-level spikes that can jeopardise nascent return of schooling. Thus, we should not lower the guards on COVID-19. Mool Raj, Doda.
