The state commission for protection of child rights has recommended to the education department that schools be reopened for senior classes and students called to the campuses in a staggered way.

The commission fears the inability to reopen schools soon could result in dropouts.

All schools have been closed since March last year as a precaution against Covid-19 and classes are being held on digital platforms.

“The majority of stakeholders stressed on the importance of reopening the schools immediately (specially Class IX and above) for the benefit of rural children, many of whom are drifting into child labour or are being forced into child marriage by their families,” the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights said in a statement issued on Friday.

“Classes are to be held in staggered manner in shifts after taking certain precautions to handle children…,” the statement read.

“It is important for schools to reopen, especially in rural areas or for the urban poor, because there is an apprehension that children will drop out or be married off,” said Ananya Chatterjee Chakraborti, the chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

“Students need to go to school for practical classes,” said Chatterjee Chakraborti.

The commission has stressed the need for the schools to be “cleaned and sanitised” before reopening.

The commission sent the recommendations to the education department on Friday, a day after it held a meeting with school principals, members of the right to education forum, medical professionals and parents.

Rita Chatterjee, the director of North Point Senior Secondary Boarding Schools in Calcutta, who was present at the meeting, said staggered timings should be followed for entry and exit, as well as for lunch break.

“There has to be a teacher on duty during break to ensure distancing,” she said.

“Parents who attended the meeting said they should be told well in advance about reopening,” said Yashabanti Sreemany, a member of the commission.