Centre, states decide not to rush school reopening

Centre, states decide not to rush school reopening

‘Safety And Security Of Students Our Priority’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:09.06.2020

The Centre, the states/ UTs and stakeholders had a meeting on Monday to deliberate on reopening of schools which have been closed since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The state representatives suggested staggered classes, no compulsion to maintain attendance, calling students on alternative days and a flexible plan to be able to avoid any exigencies.

The meeting was chaired by Anita Karwal, secretary school education, ministry of human resource development and the states/ UTs were represented by respective education secretaries. The officials also deliberated on health and safety of students, hygiene measures in schools and issues regarding online and digital education.

Post the meeting, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Union HRD minister tweeted, “Obtained valuable suggestions from state governments regarding issues related to school education. Our priority has always been the safety and security of students and teachers. The suggestions received will be examined and sent to the health ministry and ministry of home affairs for appropriate actions regarding framing guidelines for education sector during Covid-19 times.”

According to a senior HRD official present in the meeting, “Nothing will be rushed without proper consultations and students' safety is the priority. No schedule has been decided on when schools will reopen and that decision will be taken after reviewing the current situation. A final decision will be taken by the ministry of home affairs and states will also have to keep the Covid-19 situation in mind in their particular state,” an official said.

Among issues that were discussed were preparedness for the opening of schools, what kind of arrangements will be made by the administration for the health and safety of students, and the hygiene measures in schools.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16, 2020 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown to contain the outbreak. While the government has announced easing of certain restrictions, schools and colleges continue to remain closed.

The government on May 30, 2020 announced phase-wise easing of restrictions, it was decided that the schools, colleges and coaching institutes will be opened after consultation with states and UTs.

Universities & schools across the country have been closed since March 16