Hyderabad: Torrential rain on Wednesday morning caused headache for parents of school going children across Hyderabad. While the government did not declare any holiday officially, instructions were given to government and private schools to decide as per the situation prevailing.
Most of the CBSE schools in the twin-cities functioned as usual. The sudden downpour started at around 8am. By then a good number of students had reached the premises so classes were held. DAV-Safilguda principal, Seetha Kiran said that the school functioned but there was thin attendance in the primary section.
“Students coming by school transport came as usual because they started very early even before the rain started. However, the sudden downpour caught us unawares. Some children were drenched and we had to take them to separate rooms to get their clothes dried,” she said.
Due to the forecast of heavy rain for the next 24 to 48 hours some CBSE schools closed one-hour in advance from the regular closure time of 3 to 3.30pm. Messages were sent to parents to collect their children one-hour in advance.
The private schools affiliated to state syllabus had a different story. Missionary schools that start between 8.45 and 9 am decided to declare holiday suddenly and the same was intimated to parents by messages. Children coming by autos reached the school by then only to return after knowing about the decision.
A few schools that did not initially announce holiday changed their mind after the DEO’s instructions. Around 50 per cent of children who came to school were asked to go back. Anxious parents made telephone calls to schools on learning about the government’s instructions.
A concerned father said he was worried until his children returned home because it was raining heavily and the school authorities asked children to go back. He asked what the situation would be if both parents were working and school authorities sent children home suddenly.
In government schools the attendance was very thin. Teachers, especially women had a tough time reaching school on time. Directions were given to ensure the safety of children and shut school for the day, if needed.
