Schools in no-covid zones can reopen for classes 8 to 12 starting July 15

Source: The Hindustan Times

Two days after releasing and directly deleting a government resolution (GR) guiding reopening of schools for classes 8 to 12 in no-covid zones, the state school education division released an updated GR on Wednesday. As per this GR, schools in zones with not a single Covid-19 case will be allowed to restart physical classes for students from classes 8-12, after receiving permission of parents. The GR further specifies the formation of an eight-member committee consisting of local collectors, school principals and health officials to decide on Covid-free zones. In rural areas, this committee will be led by the head of the gram panchayat to decide which school can be allowed to start physical classes. Similarly, each district will form the said committee and schools will need a go-ahead from the committee before reopening, states the GR.

"Due to the lockdown, children from across the state have been holed up in their houses and missed out on value education. Their education is limited to what they learn online which is leading to other trouble like addiction to screen time and even depression in some cases. Dropout rate has also increased in rural parts and the only solution for this is reopening of schools in a phased manner," said the GR.

It further stated that schools and junior colleges will follow basic standard operating procedure (SOP) and maintain social distancing and regular temperature check of students when on site. 

Also read: Schools Reopening News: Will schools in Delhi, UP, MP and other states reopen in July? Here's the latest update