Schools in TN not to reopen now: School Education Minister Sengottaiyan

“The schools cannot be reopened now given the present COVID-19 situation,” he said to the media at Gobichettipalayam, Erode, after flagging off Amma mobile fair price shops.

The Minister’s statement comes amid reports claiming that the State government has been mulling phased reopening of schools.

As the Unlock 4.0 guidelines issued by the government recommended reopening of schools from September 21, several States were gearing up for resuming Classes 10, 11 and 12 in schools. Yet, the Tamil Nadu government seems to have adopted a wait and watch mode before taking any decision on reopening the schools in haste amid the pandemic.

Stating that 15.30 lakh students have joined government and government-aided schools in the current academic year, Sengottaiyan said that 2.5 lakh students from private schools have also joined government schools.

He also said that action would be initiated against private schools which have collected full fees in violation of Madras High Court order after receiving their explanation on the issue.