School reopening challenged in LHC

Petitioner calls for provision of facilities for online education

LAHORE:

Government’s decision to reopen academic institutions from January 18 has been challenged in Lahore High Court as detrimental to the lives of the students and their families.

Petitioner Syed Faisal G Meera prayed that government’s decision be declared illegal and directions be issued to the authorities to keep the schools closed till the provision of a safe atmosphere and vaccine, transportation, health and food facilities to the students along with fixing specific liability of the persons at the helm of affairs in case of spread of coronavirus among them.

The petitioner also sought provision of a complete plan of financial assistance to the affected students and their families. He said the authorities concerned should be ordered to arrange online classes and provide every possible assistance to the students for online classes and examinations. The petitioner also called for restraining the respondents from opening the academic institutions till the disposal of the petition.

Petitioner made respondents the federation through the ministry of education, Punjab, through its chief secretary, secretary higher education and others. He contended that the schools had been closed when the prevalence of Covid-19 in Pakistan was at a lower level. The major reason of closure of schools was failure to adopt minimum preventive measures by the managements, teachers and students.

Because of financial constraints, it was difficult for the government to arrange medical and health facilities and the cost to combat Covid19 as planned, the petitioner added. He stated that it was impossible to link every school with a healthcare centre to treat Covid-19 at the district level. He also contended that training all the staff regarding Covid-19 preventive standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be difficult.