Key Points :
- Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir to open educational institutions outside containment zones from Sept 21
- Schools will be allowed to open on a voluntary basis for selective classes
- Several states have decided against this decision and others are yet to announce their decision
The Centre in its Unlock 4.0 guidelines had stated that schools can be reopened from September 21 and directed the state governments to take a call on the matter. Schools and colleges have been closed since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here is a list of the states set to reopen their educational institutions from September 21 :
Delhi: The Delhi government announced, “All schools to continue to remain closed till September 30. Students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit their schools, in areas outside containment zones only, on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers.” The state government issued this notification last week adding, “This will be subjected to the written consent of their parents/guardians and will be permitted with effect from September 21 for which, SOP will be issued by the Health Ministry to be followed by the schools.”
Bihar: Patna’s District Magistrate Kumar Ravi issued an order allowing educational institutions to resume classes for students of classes 9 to 12 outside containment zones. The state government has imposed complete shutdown in containment zones till September 30
Haryana: The state government in Haryana on Monday had decided to begin classes for students from classes 10 to 12 in two two state-run institutes after a majority of parents of students in these institutes gave their written consent to the decision, which was forwarded to the education department, officials said. Parents apparently reported students being left with doubts despite online classes and responded in favour of face-to-face interactions as these students are to appear for board examinations this year. The State Education Minister Kanwar Pal reportedly said that the Haryana government is ready to open schools statewide once the Centre gives its nod.
Andhra Pradesh: Schools in Andhra Pradesh are set to resume normal classes from September 21 for children of classes 9 to 12. The students living outside containment zones would be permitted to visit their schools on a voluntary basis to clear doubts and receive guidance from their teachers given they submit a written consent of their parents or guardians to their respective schools.
Jammu and Kashmir: Schools in this state will be allowed to open on a voluntary basis from September 21.
Assam: Students of classes 9 to 12 can visit their schools in areas outside of containment zones in Assam.
Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Uttarakhand have decided to keep their educational institutes shut this month in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Other states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Manipur, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Odisha, Punjab and others are yet to announce their final decision on the matter.
