Reopening of schools, colleges to be decided after lockdown

HRD Minister says safety of students is most important

06/04/2020, PRESS TRUST OF INDIA,NEW DELHI

The government will take a decision on reopening of schools and colleges on April 14 after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the country, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said on Sunday.

In an interview, Mr. Pokhriyal said the safety of students and teachers was of utmost importance.

He said the Ministry was prepared to ensure there was no academic loss to students if schools and colleges needed to remain shut beyond April 14.

“The classes are already being conducted online using various government platforms like Swayam. We are prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if the need arises to keep schools, colleges closed after April 14,” he said.

“It is difficult to take a decision at the moment. We will review the situation on April 14 and depending upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for more time,” Mr. Pokhriyal said when asked about his Ministry’s post-lockdown plan.

34 crore students

“There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America’s population. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government,” he added.

“I am regularly reviewing the plan of action being followed by schools and colleges during the lockdown. A plan is also ready for conducting pending exams.”