Karnataka: Now, teachers demand PPE kits
HUBBALLI: Primary and high school teachers, allegedly being forced to visit students’ homes every day under the Vidyagama programme, fear contracting Covid-19 and passing on the infection to kids. They are demanding PPE kits to keep themselves and the children safe.
Chandru Nugli, general secretary, Karnataka State Primary School Teachers’ Association (KSPTA), said the Vidyagama circular has been misinterpreted by block-level officers and others. “The government has clearly said teachers can assign work to students and review it once a week. However, officials are forcing them to visit students’ houses on a daily basis. Though group activities are banned across the country, Karnataka teachers are engaging in them. They are not even provided PPE kits. If students get infected after coming in contact with teachers, who will be held responsible?” he said.
Bheemappa Nayak and Venkataraddi Ramaraddi, office-bearers, Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association, Lingasugur taluk, said according to block-level officers, it’s not them but cluster resource persons who are forcing teachers to run ‘Vatara’ schools. “When the Centre has instructed all schools and colleges to remain shut till August 31, why are Karnataka teachers being forced to do this?” they added.
They said three teachers have succumbed to the virus in the taluk and eight are admitted to the Covid hospital in Raichur. “If the government wants to run schools, it should provide PPE kits to teachers and masks to students,” they added.
Pavadappa Kambale, state president, Karnataka State Rural Government High School Teachers Association, said even if one teacher turns positive, s/he will spread the infection to students. “One can’t expect sanitation and hygiene in streets. Many villages now have Covid-19 patients. The government should stop street schools with immediate effect in the larger interest of students and parents,” he urged.
Primary and secondary education minister Suresh Kumar was unavailable for comments.
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