Teachers urge govt to sanitise all schools

More than two lakhs of teachers who have been asked to compulsorily go to school complained that authorities concerned are yet to begin sanitisation works at many State-run schools despite the COVID-19 threat.

A teacher, talking to DT Next, said that examination centres for students writing their Boards are being sanitised, but disinfectant activities are yet to start at most government schools where a large number of teaching staff gather daily.

Tamil Nadu Government Teachers Association President PK Ilamaran said that teachers should be provided with hand sanitisers and necessary kits in the wake of the virus threat.

“We have already requested the government to declare holiday for teachers, too, but they have not heeded. In that case, the government should at least ensure the safety of teachers and sanitise all school premises,” he added. Besides sanitation works, Ilamaran recommended distribution of sanitation kits and thermal scanners to all institutions. “In addition, small dispensaries equipped with paramedical staff should also be set up at big government schools where more teachers assemble,” he added.

A senior official from the School Education Department said various precautionary measures are being taken to clean-up all schools before it reopens for students.

He pointed out that teachers were specifically asked to come to the schools to undertake works such as updating Education Management Information System (EMIS), preparing a timetable for the students and taking care of new admissions.