Kathmandu, Apr. 16: The Sustainable Development and Good-Governance Committee under the National Assembly has instructed the government to adopt alternative teaching and learning activities in view of the growing risks of Covid-19.

Today’s meeting of the Committee convened in Singha Durbar today decided to instruct the government for the same after the members of the committee furnished their suggestions to carry on teaching-learning activities virtually to prevent further risks of Coronavirus infection among the school children.

Committee President Taradevi Bhatta also directed the concerned authority to monitor those negligent schools which had Covid-19 infected students and yet were reluctant to take necessary preventative measures against the flu-like infection. An action against such erring schools has been demanded as well.

Furthermore, schools have been asked to adhere to the health safety protocols put in place for effective Covid-19 response.

The Committee President spoke of the need for the authorities concerned to examine whether the budget for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were result-oriented or not. The government has been asked to allocate additional budget to effectively enforce the SDGs.

The participants in the meeting had opined that consultations be held with the experts and stakeholders for the same.

Also, in view of mitigating the hazardous level of air pollution seen in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country, appropriate programmes have been demanded and necessary budget as well. The Committee has decided to instruct the line Ministry to that end.

Member of the Committee Bamdev Gautam underscored the need to promote electronic vehicle (EV) to control the carbon emission. He also highlighted the need to construct ponds in forests to help contain the bushfire.

Similarly, Dinanath Sharma viewed that a stringent surveillance mechanism should be put in place along the border areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19. He cited the alarmingly growing cases of Covid-19 in India and alerted that the porous border and unchecked immigration through the border areas could spell epidemic disasters.