Centre plans to reopen schools only for Class VII to XII by mid-July post-lockdown

May 26: The nationalwide lockdown augmented by the outbreak of coronavirus also led to closure of all educational institutions throughout the country. Infact, in many of the states like Assam, all schools and colleges are closed since 15 March, 2020. As per a report in The Indian Express, the government is planning to send students of Class 9, 10,11,12 first to their schools as they can be banked upon to uphold social distancing measures on their own. The council has also suggested that one-third of students can be allowed in every class on a given day so that physical distance between students can be ensured.

Notably, younger children are more at risk of getting infected by the deadly coronavirus as their immunity levels are not as strong. The decision to keep them away from schools has been taken to ensure their safety as they cannot be expected to fully adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines themselves.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has suggested that schools in Orange and Green Zones could be opened and students from Classes 8-12 can be brought in a staggered manner, as and when the lockdown is lifted. The council has also suggested that one-third of students can be allowed in every class on a given day so that physical distance between students can be ensured.

The council has also suggested that a brief online training programme for teachers before the reopening of the schools so that they are sensitized properly on all precautions that would be required to be enforced in the changed scenario. Schools may be asked to “completely sanitize” their premises on a regular basis and students must wear masks. Even while travelling to schools, parents and schools must ensure that the safety of students is not endangered.

A systematic approach for the same is being worked out by the UGC for colleges and NCERT for schools so that the academic sector resumes with all safety guidelines intact.