Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 19 (KNS): Despite strict orders by the government for closure of schools and private coaching institutions amid rise in Covid-19 cases, several schools and private coaching institutions continue to function normally in Sopore town of Baramulla district, parents alleged here on Wednesday. 

Several parents while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), expressed concern over functioning of private schools and coaching institutions despite government ban on in-person teaching amid rise in Covid-19 cases. 

The parents also alleged that even though these schools and private coaching centres continue to functioning despite ban, they don't even bother to follow Covid-19 SOPs and guidelines, like social distancing norms. 

They alleged that these institutions usually remain crowded and hold physical classes amid the prevailing situation and it may prove disastrous for the students and the staff as well.

"Despite clear cut directions from the government, these institutions hardly follow any guidelines and are running the institutions normally," said a parent Mohammad Lateef. “Is Covid only for the government run winter tutorials," he questioned. 

When contacted chief education officer Baramulla, Ghulam Mohammed said that he was not aware about the same. "Since you have brought the issue it into my notice, I will surely act and violators will be dealt with strictly," he added. (KNS)