Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has issued revised guidelines on conducting regular classes for the students of standards 10 and 12. According to the latest order in this regard issued by the General Education Department of the state government, schools in which these classes are functioning can seat two students on a bench. In the previous guidelines, only one student was allowed on each bench.
Another revised guideline says that schools which have less than 100 students in these classes can operate in one shift. This allows all the students to reach the school at the same time. However, the students should be seated on the basis of COVID-19 protocols.
On the other hand, schools having more than 100 students in Classes 10 and 12 should ensure that only 50 per cent of the total strength reaches the school during a shift. At present, students attend classes in two batches; one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. But, students in the morning batch are allowed to remain in the school till evening in case there is a shortage of transport facilities at noon. Moreover, schools can function on alternate days also. As Saturdays are working days, students can come to school on that day also, if necessary.
Regarding food, the government order says that school authorities have to ensure that students have it from their own seats itself.
Yet another directive says that all teachers who are not given work-from-home facility should be present in school. Any lapse on the part of the teachers in this regard should be reported by the headmaster to the higher authorities and action will be taken.