As class work remains suspended in schools across Kashmir, teachers on Wednesday urged the government to allow them to stay home, amid Coronavirus threat. “Since there is no class work, we are unnecessary forced to attend to schools and spent the day idle,” said a teacher. “We urge the government to pass direction for closure of the schools and allow us to stay home.” Recently the government ordered for suspension of class work in all government and private schools, Colleges and Universities up to March 31. However, the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) later clarified that the closure of institutions was meant for only students and teachers should report to their schools regularly. “It makes no sense to force us to attend the school daily when there is no class work at all. Our lives are being put at risk,” said another teacher from Handwara. The government has also issued an in advisory asking people to avoid travelling in public transport and avoid public gathering as a preventive measure to avoid spread of Coronavirus. “Most of the teachers, masters and lecturers travel in public transport daily from one district to another to reach their schools, only to remain idle for entire day,” said the teacher. The administration in Budgam and Srinagar has already decided to keep teachers off duties given no class work in schools. But teachers in other districts were ordered to attend to the schools. The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) concerned have been authorized to decide whether teachers should attend the schools during the closure period. But, most of the Deputy Commissioners have been indecisive on the issue. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said they will deliberate on the issue and take a decision. “We will see if teachers are required for any other services keeping in view the public emergency. We will take a decision after holding deliberations,” he said.
