In Nepal, a disturbing trend is on the rise lately. Influential politicians and businessmen facing legal troubles seem to have found a new strategy to avoid police detention getting admitted to hospital. This misuse of provisions meant for those with genuine health issues not only raises questions about the sanctity of law, but also reinforces the perception that the law is meant only for the poor and those without access to the power corridors.
The debate about whether to reopen schools or not has finally been put to rest. Schools are indeed going to open on January 24, and while there is a sense of relief across all the stakeholders (parents, principals, teachers, students), a bit of scepticism lurks everywhere.
Last week, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Transport Department’s proposal for a 100 per cent waiver in motor vehicle tax for school buses from April 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
Offline schooling in Maharashtra resumed on December 1 for lower grades (1st-7th), and for the higher grades earlier in October. Approximately 2,246 schools were reopened in Mumbai. However, they closed due to the winter vacations and the ongoing rise of Covid-19 cases is making the government rethink the idea of keeping it closed even post the winter holidays.