The government had allowed schools to reopen from October 15 as per the Unlock 5 guidelines. Here are what a few states have decided regarding opening or not reopening schools.
The government had allowed schools to reopen from October 15 as per the Unlock 5 guidelines. Here are what a few states have decided regarding opening or not reopening schools. (Photo: PTI)
The Unlock 5 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed schools, colleges and educational institutions to reopen from October 15 in non-containment zones. This was subject to the SOs and guidelines set by the state governments who would take decisions based on the local requirements.
Different states have taken different decisions. Some states went ahead by reopening schools on a voluntary basis for classes 9 to 12 from September 21 itself as advised by MHA in the Unlock 4 guidelines.
A few other states are reopening schools now, while some have postponed it so that there isn’t any immediate increase in Covid-19 cases.
Here’s what a few states have decided about reopening schools:
1. Delhi
Delhi government has decided to keep school closed till October 31.
2. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has decided to reopen schools for classes 9 to 12 in non-containment zones from October 19. Classes will be held in shifts and all Covid-19 safety protocols would be maintained.
3. West Bengal
CM Mamata Banerjee said that schools would not be reopened in the state any time soon and a decision will be taken only after Kali puja on November 14.
4. Gujarat
Gujarat will not be reopening schools now.
5. Punjab
The Punjab government has decided to reopen schools and coaching institutions from October 15 in a graded manner. Online classes will be continued but students of classes 9 to 12 can go to school with parental permission.
6. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh had reopened schools for classes 9 to 12 with parental permission from September 21 itself while following Covid-19 safety protocols. Now, the government may consider gradually increasing the strength of these classes.
7. Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh government will not be reopening schools now.
8. Karnataka
Karnataka is yet to take a proper call on the school reopening issue after re-evaluating the situation. But it has announced midterm holidays from October 12 to 30 which includes the suspension of online classes.
9. Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided not to reopen schools till November 2.
Read: Unlock 5.0 school reopening guidelines issued by Education Ministry: Check here
Read: Attendance not to be made mandatory once schools reopen: Health Minister