After remaining closed for over seven months, schools in some states have opened but under strict Unlock 5.0 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Uttar Pradesh is one of the states to reopen schools for students of Class IX to XII outside containment zones.
However, some states are still reluctant to pursue the idea. The BJP government in Gujarat is contemplating opening schools but it has decided to seek everyone’s opinion in this regard.
In a conversation with the media, Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama hinted towards reopening schools in the state. He said, “It’s been six months since the schools are shut due to the coronavirus. We have to open the schools someday. But, the state government will not take such a crucial decision on its own,” said the minister.
Chudasama clarified that opinion of the stakeholders that include parents, students, owners of schools, teachers and prominent educationists will be taken before proceeding further. “The health department’s opinion will be important in this regard,” he added.
After seeking an opinion from the stakeholders the Education Minister will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and the entire cabinet after
Schools and colleges in Gujarat have remained closed since the outbreak of COVID-19. However, online classes are being conducted to catch up with the academic year.
On Monday, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim resumed classes after remaining closed for around 7 months due to coronavirus pandemic. The schools were allowed to open with strict COVID-19 guidelines.