A Delhi Class 12 student has petitioned the Supreme Court, requesting that the centre and states make a time-bound decision about the physical reopening of schools.
According to the petitioner, Amar Prem Prakash, he is echoing the views and feelings of a substantial portion of the student population, particularly those who have been left behind.
“Underprivileged and voiceless children are disadvantaged in their access to online education,” Amar argued in his petition.
“School closures are proven to be not only harmful to students’ interests, but also tantamount to discrimination and discriminatory treatment,” he stated.
According to his PIL, internet classes are having a negative impact on pupils’ physical and mental development, and authorities should make a decision to hold physical sessions now that the pandemic has significantly receded.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March of last year, all schools have been closed.
Last month, VK Paul, head of the National Expert Committee on Vaccine Administration, noted that states are making decisions about reopening schools. While guidelines allow for faster immunizations in certain portions of the 18 to 44 year old age group, it is a “It is difficult to expose teachers and pupils. And this must be evaluated against the possibility of reopening. It is critical that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed “Mr. Paul had stated previously.
Some states and union territories have partially reopened or announced plans to reopen schools, primarily for students in grades 9 through 12.
In an interview with NDTV last month, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said that India is expected to start immunising infants by September.
By the end of the year, the government hopes to have vaccinated all adults. However, due to fears of a third wave, the country has yet to approve a vaccine for children.
“We also require our own vaccines, which is why both Bharat Biotech and Zydus are critical. Obtaining the Pfizer vaccine will also be beneficial, as there is enough evidence to suggest it is safe… but we cannot be certain that we will receive the needed numbers. By September, we should have more than one vaccine for youngsters “According to NDTV, the AIIMS chief said.
According to a study published in the medical journal The Lancet, “living with 11-17 year olds raises the risk of infection by 18-30%.”
Vaccination and vigilance are the only two options, according to health experts.
Schools can be found all around the world. In many countries, schools stayed open even during the peak of the pandemic…We have more than 15 months of proof that schools do not contribute to the virus transmission any more than what children are exposed to at home,” epidemiologist Dr Chandrakant Lahariya told.
