Uncertainty looms over school reopening due to COVID-19

Coronavirus: Govt shuts Delhi schools, imposes new travel restrictions as positive cases rise to 30
School students wear mask to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as they arrive to appear for an examination, in Agra, Thursday, March 5, 2020. PTI

Uncertainty continues over the reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Though a consensus was earlier reached on reopening schools in a phased manner from September 1, most of the states have not taken a favourable stand towards this. 

The Centre also has made it clear that no decision has been made on reopening the schools, or a timeline set. 

Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare had also informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee that this will not be ‘a zero academic year’ with no academic activities, including classes and exams.

The final-year exams are likely to be held at school- and college-level. Though authorities planned to start classes for senior students by September-end or October, a final decision will be taken depending on the COVID-19 spread, the Ministry has clarified.

The Central government has concluded that no state was in a situation to reopen schools. But the government is not in favour of completely doing away with the classes either. Therefore, authorities plan to resume classes 10 to 12 by September-end. 

Depending on the situation in their region, each state government can take a call. All students would be able to access classes online or offline. All facilities will be ensured to conduct exams. The government informed the Parliamentary committee that 2020-21 will not be a total academic shutdown.

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