‘Allow us to work from home again'

Teachers for classes besides Stds X and XII find it illogical to report to the work places only to teach online. Representation pic

The state government allowed teaching for all classes online except Stds X and XII, due to the rising Covid-19 cases. But teachers from schools and colleges are expected to work from the institutions in 50 per cent capacity. However, they say even this is putting them in danger. The Teachers' Association has written to the government regarding this.

Many schools as well as colleges have gone back to online teaching. Teachers for classes besides Stds X and XII find it illogical to report to the work places only to teach online. Teachers have previously demanded to work from home when the pandemic was raging in February 2021 and November 2020.

‘Unnecessary exposure'

"I teach the primary section. Why should teachers go to schools when kids are connecting through online platforms? This is unnecessary exposure for teachers to the disease," said a teacher from a school in Andheri.

Students attend class at Dnyaneshwar Vidyalaya, Wadala, on December 15. Pic/Ashish Raje

Another teacher questioned the need to even call Stds X and XII pupils to campus. "It will be better to keep these children at home. Their board exam is approaching in two months. Anyway, their syllabus is over and doubt solving sessions can be done online with teachers," said a teacher from a junior college in Kandivli.

Rajesh Pandya from Teachers' Democratic Front, said, "Students, even those staying in the vicinity of the school, are asked to remain home. Many teachers come to school from faraway places. Due to the rate at which Covid cases are increasing, even Stds X and XII should move online and all teachers be allowed to work from home."

‘Increasing crowds'

Anil Bornare from the BJP Teachers' Association which has written to the government regarding the issue, said, "Even as only Stds X and XII classes are conducted offline, teachers from all classes are being asked to report to school. This is only increasing the crowd on public transport, especially trains. Instead, all these teachers should be allowed to work from home."

Vandana Krishna, principal secretary for school education in Maharashtra was unavailable for comment. However, a senior official from Mantralaya, said, "Schools and colleges need not call all teachers to school. The regulation points to half capacity and rotation practice. This is followed even in government offices."