State prepares SOPs for schools; No decision on reopening: Officials

Ranchi: Standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure anti-Covid measures in schools across Jharkhand are being chalked out, informed officials at the state education department. The SOPs are being prepared on the lines of a format provided by the centre, the officials further informed.
Asked if the steps will lead to reopening of schools soon, state education minister Jagarnath Mahto said, “As of now, no decision has been taken on the issue.”
The reopening of schools has become a challenge after the state recorded a significant rise in the number of cases. Till Friday, Jharkhand saw 1,657 cases. According to the guidelines sent by the ministry of home affairs, there is no chance of schools reopening till the end of June.
Director, secondary education, Jata Shankar Choudhary, said, “The states are framing norms according to a format provided by the central government. The SOPs will be sent to the Centre for a final decision. Many aspects, including starting and ending the different sections of classes in a staggered manner, challenges in transportation of students, maintaining social distancing among students, teachers and staff, sanitization of schools, norms for use of common services like toilets are being worked out.”
Choudhary added, since since each school has a different structure and campus, there should also be a micro plan for them. Recently, the Centre held a discussion with the state officials on the issue of reopening of schools through video conferencing.