Social distancing to be ensured by schools, colleges after reopening

May 01: According to HRD Ministry officials, whenever schools and colleges reopen, proper social distancing norms will have to be followed as health and safety of students has to be the priority. Safety guidelines are to be followed whenever classroom learning is resumed. On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the nationwide lockdown by another 2 weeks till 17 May. During this phase, all educational institutions will also remain shut across India.

However, meanwhile, the UGC, has already recommended that academic session for freshers may begin in September and for enrolled students in August, schools are also doing teaching learning activities through different virtual mediums. The guidelines are being formed by the Ministry’s Department of School Education and Literacy for schools and by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for universities and higher education institutions.

In a report published by the Hindustan Times, it was mentioned that ‘New seating matrix, staggered classes, different mess and library rules, revamped hostels and canteens, could be part of students’ socially distant lives in schools and colleges when they return, with the HRD Ministry forming safety guidelines to be followed whenever classroom learning is resumed.’

The report also stated that for schools, suspension of morning assemblies and sports activities in the playground, norms for school buses, do’s and dont’s in washrooms and cafeterias and regular disinfection of entire buildings, could be part of the guidelines and masks will be mandatory part of school uniforms. For residential schools, guidelines will detail social distancing norms to be followed in mess and hostels.