Teachers & Parents’ Ultimatum: Reopen Schools Or Else We Won’t Vote In Elections

Ludhiana: There was a unique protest across Punjab on Saturday as teachers, parents and school administration staff demanded that schools be reopened immediately, or else they won’t vote in the state Assembly elections on February 20.

The Congress-headed Punjab government earlier this week extended closure of schools and colleges in the state till February 8 because of increase in COVID-19 cases. No new date has been announced yet for reopening of educational institutions.

The principal stakeholders of the education fraternity have now come out protesting against the increasing restrictions, reported ANI,

The protests were held under the banner of ‘Punjab Unaided School Association’, which is spearheading the demand for reopening of schools and other educational institutions.

In Barnala district, a group of about 100 people protested against the Charanjit Singh Channi-led government for not lifting restrictions. Protesters included parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and administrative staff.

“Representatives, teachers and parents of at least 10 schools of Barnala district joined the protest here. Our only demand is for reopening of the schools. Similar protests are being held all over Punjab under the banner of the ‘Punjab Un-Aided School Association’,” MA Saifi, a private school principal, was quoted as saying.

He pointed out that schools were closed for nine months last year, and now again since January 5, 2021.

“Staff and children have also been vaccinated in our schools. When everything is open, why are the schools closed,” he questioned the government.

A parent taking part in the protest explained the reason behind their demand.

“Studying on mobile phones is affecting eyes of the children badly. My son is also not doing well in his studies. That’s why we want schools to open. Election rallies are being held, but the schools are closed,” Jagdeep Kaur told ANI.

Giving the teachers’ point of view, Sweety Sharma said: “The government is not giving us any platform or facilities for online classes and the platform which we have is also being taken away from us. Today the government has left the school management and parents without any option. We are waiting till February 8, after that the school should open.”