Centre, States deliberate on school reopening strategy
Representational Image
NEW DELHI: The Centre, the States/ UTs and stakeholders had a meeting to deliberate on reopening of schools which have been closed since March due to COVID-19 pandemic on Monday. The state representatives suggested staggered classes, non compulsion of maintaining 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 COVID-19 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.
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 COVID-19 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.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE