Schools likely to reopen for Classes 10, 12 after Pongal

The government had organised feedback sessions in all schools, including private institutions, for the second time seeking parents’ suggestions on reopening of schools. As the first feedback sessions were held in November first week, in which most of the parents were not willing to send their children, the reopening of schools was postponed indefinitely. 

However, with more than 75% of parents wanting schools to be reopened during the second feedback session, the government is expected to announce the beginning of classes for students, who will be facing board exams. At present, more than 17 lakh students are studying in Classes 10 and 12 in both government and private schools. 

A senior official from the School Education Department, seeking anonymity, told DT Next that schools will not be reopened immediately after Pongal holidays since many students would have left to their native to celebrate the festival. 

“Though the Pongal festival will come to an end on January 16, two to three days will be given to students to return to their destination,” he said. Stating that the government might issue an order to reopen schools in a day or two, the official said, “The authorities will also announce the truncated syllabus. The government would also instruct all the schools not to force any student to attend class and online sessions for them should continue,” he said. He added that even after reopening of schools, authorities will hold review meetings if there are any changes in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).