Death of a seniorteacher serving in a prominent Convent school due to Covid-19 here on Sunday triggered angry reactions on various social media platforms as the school authorities forced them to attend the school even when the district magistrate had ordered its closure in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.
Questioning the rationale behind forcing the teachers to remain present inside the school premises several netizens and close friends urged the district authorities to take serious note of the brazen violations committed by the private school management during the period.
According to close family members, Nilu Varinder, a senior Music teacher of St Mary's Presentation Convent School, Jammu lost her battle to the deadly virus while her husband was still struggling to survive in the ICU on sunday. Her daughter, also tested positive, was recuperating in home isolation. On Sunday, a handful of relatives along with volunteers from a local organisation performed the last rites of the school teacher.
According to her colleagues, Nilu Varinder was regularly attending her school duties as late as April 26 against her wishes. The District Magistrate had issued an order on April 27 clarifying that the teaching and non teaching staff was not required to remain present in the educational institutions and shall continue to work from home till further orders.
In contrast, the school teachers privately revealed the school Principal had directed the staff members to remain present in the school and work from there ignoring all government
orders issued since the first week of March when the District Magistrate had ordered closure of schools in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases.
Several teachers claimed along with Nilu Varidner few other staff members and students who had attended their practical examinations also tested positive and were undergoing treatment.
The District authorities are learnt to have taken cognizance of the matter and are expected to hold an inquiry to ascertain the facts of the matter and violations committed by the school before taking any action.