A panel discussion was organized at Classic Grande Imperial Hall by Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) with participation of 21 panelists. The discussion was moderated was retired IPS officer RK Nimai
TFM News Service
Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) on Sunday held a panel discussion on reopening of schools, colleges & universities in Manipur which had been closed due to covid-19 pandemic. However, no consensus was reached on resumption of classroom teaching.
The panel discussion, which was held at Classic Grande Imperial Hall with participation of 21 panelists, was moderated by retired IPS officer RK Nimai. Panelists expressed their views on the topic.
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Asst MS Dr Sumita Banerjee said in some Indian states, educational institutions were closed down again after opening classroom teaching for a while due to the surge in Covid cases. She underlined the need for careful examination of Covid situation before the reopening of educational institutions where students including children have to study together.
“We must vet opinions of World Health organizations and other experts and gauge whether their protocols can be followed strictly before any decision,” she said.
A powerpoint presentation on present and past situations of covid 19 was also made.
All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association general secretary Nongthombam Joykumar said due to covid-19 pandemic, schools were shut and students were deprived of classroom education. Promotions were given to Class X and Class XII students without any board examinations, he added.
Stating that online class is not the solution, Joykumar said students, who become doctors and engineers through online teaching, will not be able to treat patients and construct buildings.
He emphasized the importance of resumption of classroom teaching and learning with both private and government schools adhering to protocol strictly. He suggested joint inspection by department concerned and private schools’ association to make sure that COVID-19 protocol is strictly followed.
All Manipur College Teachers’ Association vice president Dr Longjam Ibochouba said though Manipur is witnessing improvement in COVID-19 situation, no one can say with conviction that cases will not surge again. In the existing condition, there is a possibility that reopening of schools, colleges and universities may worsen the situation, he said.
Stating that something is better than nothing, Ibochouba supported online classes when educational institutions are shut and said it provides a space for sharing at least some knowledge with students.
Kangleipak Students’ Association president said due to COVID-19, educational institutions remained shut till today. It has not only affected the academic calendar but also dealt a blow to students. He lamented that politicians were seen violating SOPs during electioneering and social gatherings for the upcoming Manipur legislative assembly election. Clarifying that he is not asking for violating covid protocol like politicians, he called for more brainstorming sessions to address students’ problems.
He further said the Education (S) Commissioner has indicated the possibility of reopening educational institutions with improvement in Covid situation in Manipur. The panel discussion was held to explore possible implications of shutting down educational institutions for long and reopening of the same amid Covid crisis, he added.