Maharashtra English School Trustees Association (MESTA) has decided to start offline classes in 18,000 member-schools imparting education in English medium from Monday. MESTA has requested the administration not to take action against the schools as the decision is in the larger interest of students. “Not being able to attend offline classes is causing a learning loss to students. It has been proven time and again that they are unable to understand the subject well when they take online classes. We are taking all precautions and seeking consent of parents too,” Dr Sanjay Tayade Patil, Founder President of MESTA, told ‘The Hitavada’ over telephone.

 

MESTA has appealed the administration not to take any action against the schools as starting offline classes is need of the hour. Eight days ago, Government had asked schools to stop conducting classes offline till January 31, and switch back to online mode. In its meeting held at New Apostolic English High School, MESTA’s Nagpur unit decided to start offline classes in its member-schools from Monday. The Association’s office-bearers also warned that if anybody tried to take legal action against schools, the association and parents would respond appropriately to it. Meanwhile, according to sources, Rajesh Tope, Public Health Minister, is contemplating to allow schools to conduct offline classes at places with either no COVID-19 cases or asymptomatic cases only. Public Health Ministry is assessing the situation and if everything is found in order, the schools may be allowed soon to start offline classes with 50 per cent occupancy.