‘Hold online classes during heatwave’

Ranchi: Several organisations, including the ruling JMM and the Jharkhand Parents Association (JPA), have suggested online classes to protect students from the heatwave conditions.

JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya on Monday said according to the new school timing, students are attending classes from 7 am to 12 noon. The weather becomes hot from morning itself. Students spend over an hour to reach home after school hours. A large number of children are enrolled in schools located in far-off places, he added.

“I appeal to the state govt to make alternative arrangements in this regard. I would suggest that teachers should take online classes. The attendance of teachers in schools should be, however, compulsory,” he added.

Jharkhand Parents’ Association president Ajay Rai reiterated, saying online classes should be started not only in schools but also in colleges. “No risk should be taken in matters of health. Educational institutions have familiarity with online classes.”

The changed school timing has also caused concern among parents regarding sleep pattern of kids. A parent said, “Reaching the bus stand by 6 am necessitates the child waking up around 4 am. My child throws tantrums while waking up early.”

The head of the department of paediatrics at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Rajiv Mishra, said parents should encourage kids to go to bed early. “Preparing for school the night before would help. Additionally, allowing children to rest for a few hours in the afternoon could help,” he added.

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