Final Decision on Reopening Karnataka Schools for Classes 1-5 after Festival Season

Source: NDTV Education

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Sunday said a decision regarding reopening of schools for classes 1-5 in the state will be taken after the festival season. He also said the state government has reopened educational institutions not in a "hurry" but in a phased manner after discussion with parents and experts.

First higher education institutions was reopened, then pre-university and later classes 9-12 and classes 6-8, Sudhakar told reporters here after meeting Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

"We will take a decision shortly after the festival season. Let the Dussehra vacation get over," he said.

Mr. Sudhakar said that a final call will be taken after consultation and the Cabinet's decision. Asked about a school in Bengaluru being shut after children tested Covid-19 positive, he said the government is aware of it. But that one incident cannot determine whether to reopen schools for classes 1-5, Sudhakar said.

"That school is shut now and many children are isolated. Two children had symptoms and they are not in a serious condition. We are keeping a watch on every school in the state," he said. It has been more than a month that schools were reopened for classes 6-8 in the state and "we have not received any reports of concerns from schools so far", he added.

On reopening of educational institutions, Mr. Sudhakar said, "We did not take decisions in hurry. Even now if we see children are facing problems, then we will immediately take back our decision."

Also read: Karnataka Schools Reopen for Students of Classes 8 to 10