Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has said that it will go ahead with its decision of reopening of schools in city for class 9 to 12 students from Monday (January 4) despite abysmal response from parents about submission of written consent for allowing their students to attend the physical classes.
Of the 8759 students from 44 PMC-run schools, only 2835 students or their parents have submitted the written consent for attending physical classes from January 4. This comes to 32.36 per cent of the total strength of students. PMC officials believe that reopening of schools will encourage more parents later to send their children to schools.
There are 529 schools – including private and civic – under the jurisdiction of PMC. Of these 150 schools have submitted their report about precautionary measures taken to contain the COVID19 spread and other hygienic practices at the school premises once they resume physical classes.
The education department has informed that about 80 per cent of teachers from the civic-body run schools have been tested for COVID19.
Mayor Murlidhar Mohol had hinted a few days back that the decision to reopen schools will be reconsidered if the number of consent letters received from parents is less. The PMC had twice reversed its decision to reopen schools in November and December on account of low response from parents for giving written consent for allowing their children to attend physical classes.