Rajasthan schools to remain shut for now: Government

JAIPUR: In an order issued on Friday, the government has indicated that schools in the state will remain shut for a longer period. While the government made it clear that they had no plans to open schools for students till classes VIII, for those in classes IX to XII, the decision will be taken later depending on the evolving Covid-19 situation.
As per the government order, a new programme called ‘Chalo Ghar Se Paden’ (Let's study From Home) has been initiated, which shows that the administration is keen on letting students study from home. The specific programme is for Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) students.
According to education minister Govind Singh Dotasra, the government is trying to motivate students to focus on their studies.
‘No one will be promoted like last academic year’
Jaipur: According to education minister Govind Singh Dotasra, the government is trying to motivate students to focus on their studies as no one will be promoted from their respective classes as was done this year.
“For classes till VIII, we have no plans to open schools as of yet. We have noticed that some students have become negligent as the schools are not functioning and think they don't have to take examinations. But we have made it clear in the order that students from classes I to IX and XI must study at home. Examinations will be conducted next year when the situation becomes better,” Dotasra said.
He said that when the government issues an order to reopen schools, it would include CBSE, RBSE, IB and other educational boards of the state.
Earlier, there were speculations about the reopening of schools. The education department had proposed a plan to open them in a phased manner. In the first phase, classes IX to XII were to be opened from November 1, classes VI to VIII from December 1 in the second phase, and the rest from January, 2021.
But senior officials stated that the plan was dropped following the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state. According to the order issued by the directorate of secondary education, Bikaner, the SMILE programme (online classes in RBSE schools) will continue on WhatsApp groups and through YouTube tutorials. After Diwali vacation, teachers will be available in schools for students to clear doubts.
An earlier order had let students in classes IX to XII to go to schools for clearing doubts. However, very few students are going to schools. Students have also been asked to create a portfolio of homework given to them through online classes to help teachers assess learning outcomes.
State govt withdraws order on third language
Under pressure, state education minister Govind Singh Dotasra on Friday withdrew an order dated September 2 and 5 stating that there can be only one third language in classes VI to VIII. The order, experts said, was giving benefit to Sanskrit language, which is by default third language in government schools. Ameen Kaimkhani, president of Rajasthan Urdu Teachers Association, said the order is welcome, but they have not re-opened Urdu schools which were closed.