No decision yet on reopening schools in view of case spike in districts: Govt to Centre

The State had earlier received an official communication from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) seeking to know its plans on re-opening of schools here.

Expressing its view, the School Education Department responded that at present, no decision has been taken about starting new academic activities in schools. A senior official from the Directorate of School Education told DT Next on Tuesday that the State has also sent its representation to the Centre that a concrete conclusion will be arrived at only after seeking feedback from the parents as well as teachers regarding when schools could be reopened. He said at present, authorities were busy in conducting board exams successfully for the Class 12 students who could not appear for the last exam held on March 24 due to the shutdown.

“The expert committee which was constituted to look into the academic loss issue has already prepared its report,” he said, adding, “Based on the report and taking into consideration various feedback, the government would submit its proposal to the Centre soon.”

The official added that the parents’ opinion and the students’ safety are of utmost importance since the pandemic situation is becoming worse. “The government will not take any hasty decision and will communicate its plan to all the stakeholders,” he added.

Stating that the government would also allay the fears of the parents and the students with regard to the academic loss, the official said the authorities in the committee were working out all the pros and cons to make up for the holiday period.