Despite closure order, govt school teachers to spread awareness on ‘Corona’ & distribute MDM

March 16: Inspite of the state government’s order to shut down all educational institutions in Assam from 16 to 31 March, 2020 due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the school teachers were directed by Assam Education Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to go their schools and spread awareness about the pandemic coronavirus in their vicinity.

Dr. Sarma was addressing a press meet at Janata Bhawan on Monday wherein he said, “Even we are coming to work, why will the teachers not go to work?  They will also have to create awareness about prevention against coronavirus by going to different villages. They will inform the people about directives proposed by the Government — such as avoiding handshakes and mass gatherings.”

The minister further informed that despite the closure of schools, the students will be provided with mid-day meals. He informed that it will not be feasable at this juncture to give cooked food, but if any student come during school hours for mid-day meal, then he/she should be provided with uncooked rice, which they will take at home and get cooked by their parents. The teachers are to be present in the school and distribute mid-day meal (uncooked rice) under the supervision of the head of the institution.

Meanwhile, on 16 March, Commissioner and Secretary to the Govt. of Assam has issued a fresh notice wherein he has addressed the Inspector of Schools of all districts, the District Elementary Education Officers of all districts and the District Mission Coordinators of SSA & Asstt. District Nodal officers, MDMs of all districts to take necessary steps so that heads of Institutions and teachers of schools/colleges come to their respective institutions during the closure period. The teachers were further directed to submit daily report on the awareness activities etc. to the concerned superior authorities.

The minister further said, “We will take legal action against schools which do not follow the government order and keep their institutions open.” The Minister further appealed the students and professionals who have returned home after the outbreak to get tested in case any symptoms show up. “Some people run away from thermal checkings; that is not the way”, the Minister said. He further informed that not a single case has been detected in Assam.