Gujarat: PIL objects to 100% attendance in schools

A week after the state government ordered commencement of in-person education and 100% attendance in schools, a PIL challenging the decision was filed in Gujarat high court.

Gandhinagar businessman Abhilash Muraleedharan filed the PIL on Friday, taking an exception to the state government's February 18 circular that made it mandatory for all students to attend classes in schools from February 21.

He has contended that Covid-19 vaccine for children below 15 years was not available and the decision of 100% attendance in classrooms has put them at risk. The petition contends that the circular to reopen schools and mandating 100% attendance is in violation of the present SOPs insisting on social distancing norms.

It says that the decision by the state government is hasty as the Centre's guideline prescribes smooth transition from home-based schooling to formal schooling.

The PIL also argues that the final exams for schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education and Indian Certificate for Secondary Education are likely to commence in a few days. Those students, who are to take state board's exams, are likely to get at least a month for adaptation. In such circumstances, the hybrid system of education should be allowed to be continued.

The petition also argues that the circular runs contrary to the SOP issued by the state home department, which permits only 50% occupancy in closed spaces for all educational, cultural, educational, religious and other activities. In contrast to this Covid protocol, the circular mandates 100% attendance in schools and therefore it should be quashed in the interest of the children.

The court is likely to hear this PIL next week.