Tuesday, 06 October 2020 | PNS | New Delhi
In a major development, the Union Education Ministry on Monday issued guidelines for reopening of schools after October 15 in a phased manner. The guidelines give students the options to opt for online classes.
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said the States have been given the flexibility to prepare their SOPs based on the Centre’s guidelines and local concerns.
“The SOP of the Education Ministry comprises two parts- health and safety aspects for reopening schools and learning with social distancing… In consonance with the MHA guidelines, students are also permitted to take online classes and can attend schools only with the written consent of parents,” said a Ministry official.
“As per Home Ministry Unlock V order for reopening, States/UT Governments may take a decision in respect of the reopening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner in consultation with the respective schools/institutions management and based on the local situation. For this purpose, States/UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precaution for reopening of schools based on the SOP to the Ministry of Education, Government of India. States/UTs may adopt or adapt the SOP as per local context and requirements,” the guidelines read.
The Education Ministry’s guidelines further stated that the SOP for health, hygiene and safety include preparation the schools have to do before reopening such as proper cleaning and sanitisation of all parts of the school, provision for hand wash and disinfection, seating plan, safe transport plan, staggering of time table and classes, precaution at entry and exit points, and arrangements for safe residential stay at hostels and sensitisation of students, teachers, school authorities, school management committees, and parents.
The SOP also provides safety protocols to be followed after the re-opening of schools such as maintaining physical/social distancing norms by keeping a minimum 6 feet gap between each other, wearing of masks at all times in the classroom, laboratory and play areas, maintaining hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and screening before entry into the school and students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents.
The guidelines further stated that there will be flexibility in attendance norms and students may opt for online classes.
