New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said schools will be reopened for Classes 9 and 11 from February 5.

Speaking at a press conference, he announced reopening of degree colleges, polytechnics and ITIs too.

Mr Sisodia directed the officials to ensure safety for the students and proper sanitisation of the entire school premises.

He said that schools and colleges are being reopened, so that students can prepare better for their practicals and internal assessments.

Masks and sanitisers should be available in the school premises and social distancing norms should be followed, instructed the Deputy Chief Minister.

He said it was important to provide support and guidance to the students for them to prepare well for the exams. That is why the decision to reopen the schools was taken, so that the students can attend the school with their parental consent and get gradually involved in the learning process, added Mr Sisodia.

It won't be possible to compensate for the learning loss due to the pandemic, but it's important to utilise the remaining time in this academic year, said the Minister.

'Our primary focus is to reopen the schools and ensure safety for every child,' he added.

Mr Sisodia said the schools were reopened for the students of Classes 10 and 12 from January 18.

Initially, parents were unsure about sending their children due to the pandemic. Hence, schools saw poor attendance. But now, parents have seen the preparedness by the schools and are convinced about their children's safety. Hence, close to 80 per cent attendance is being reported from schools, the Minister noted.

More UNI NY RJ 2056