Even as Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has proposed reopening of schools from August 17, stakeholders say a blanket decision would be difficult to implement in the current scenario. Both, school authorities and parents are divided on the issue. Rohan Bhat, Chairman of the Children’s Academy Group of Schools said that schools will have to reopen phase-wise. “We can’t delay this fearing that the situation will get worse.”

Echoing his sentiment, Kavita Agarwal, Director of DG Khetan International School and Chairperson of Members of International School Association (MISA), said, “All schools are ready with Covid protocols. Though the online format is working smoothly, it is important for children to get back to traditional schooling, as their emotional wellbeing is at stake. The only issue for us is how teachers [and other staff] will commute.”