Closing schools not a solution, argue school principals

As the Delhi government ordered closure of all schools till Sunday in view of "unbearable" air pollution, some principals argue that this is not a solution.

Tania Joshi, principal, Indian School agrees that there are not much options available now but the government "needs to be prepared" rather than making students "suffer".

"Now since they have ordered to close schools, the syllabus will suffer with exams just few months away."

Principal of another private school, who did not wish to be named, said the order should not have been binding on schools as some of them have necessary infrastructure to deal with the situation.
 

"Each school has different infrastructure. We have air purifiers in all our classrooms as well as our buses. We monitor air quality regularly and suspend outdoor activities whenever needed. So why should our children be stopped?"

The Delhi government today announced that all schools in the national capital will remain closed till Sunday in view of the "unbearable" air pollution.

The government had yesterday directed that primary schools would be closed today. It had also ordered suspension of outdoor activities for secondary classes.

However, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's twitter handle received complaints from parents about certain schools which remained open today despite government directive.

Hansraj Model School in Punjabi Bagh area issued a circular saying, "The school had to remain open on request of majority of the working parents who could not make last minute arrangements for their wards. However, we ensure you that children are indoors and advise you to send your ward wearing a mask".

Sapna Gulati, principal of a private school in Gurgaon, said the government did not learn its lessons from last year.

"The situation was the same last year, why did not the government take steps to control it then only? Last year also, schools closed for a while and then we conducted extra classes over the weekends to complete syllabus. There has to be a solution, closing schools won't help,"

However, doctors say that irrespective schools arguing about curriculum and studies being effected, staying indoors at such a time is very crucial for children.

"Lungs of children are not capable of handling such pollutants and exposure to such toxic particles may lead to breathing difficulties, chest tightness, allergies and other conditions. It is highly advisable that they stay indoors at this time," said AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, who is a also a renowned pulmonologist.