Educational institutions in Uttarakhand and Assam will reopen from November onwards with strict adherence to the COVID protocol. Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that normal classes would reopen in Assam for students from class six to postgraduate level, adding that schools would be closed for students up to class five.
The government has permitted to reopen private schools and coaching centers from 2nd November. However, it would not mind if private schools wanted to continue with online classes.
"Each of them (educational institutions) will have to keep in touch with the health department, and these institutes will be tested from time to time," said Sarma.
Similarly, in Uttarakhand, the school department has stated that they are ready to resume classes, ensuring strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, including limiting attendance in classrooms to 50 percent for social reform.
Uttarakhand government spokesperson and cabinet minister Madan Kaushik said all precautions included 50 percent occupancy, regular cleanliness of premises, safe transport in sanitation buses, limiting attendance in classrooms, and 50 percent of their total capacity. The school authorities will take care of the safety of the students in every aspect, he said.
Asked if anyone gets infected despite the precautions, Kaushik said, "no one will be held responsible."
The 'Unlock 5' guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs have allowed schools to reopen gradually across the country after 15th October. However, the decision will be taken by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.