The HRD ministry began consultation on Monday with states and other stakeholders on reopening of schools which have been closed since March due to Covid-19 pandemic. In the meeting, chaired by Secretary School Education, Anita Karwal, the state education secretaries also deliberated upon health and safety of students, hygiene measures in schools and issues regarding online and digital education.

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said the suggestions will be examined and sent to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Obtained valuable suggestions from state governments regarding issues related to school education. Our priority has always been the safety and security of students and teachers,” the minister said in a tweet. 

The suggestions received will be examined and sent to the @MoHFW_INDIA and Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate actions regarding framing guidelines for education sector during COVID-19 times.@PMOIndia @HMOIndia @HRDMinistry @PIB_India @MIB_India @DDNewslive

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 8, 2020

According to ministry officials, suggestions received from states included staggered classes, non compulsion of maintaining attendance, calling students on alternative days and a flexible plan to be able to avoid any exigencies. An official said, “The government is clear on one part that nothing will be rushed without proper consultations and students’ safety will be the top priority while making any decision.”

“However, it is early to decide on when schools will reopen, consultations have begun. A final decision will be taken by MHA in this regard and states will also have to keep the Covid-19 situation in mind,” the official added.

“Among the issues that were discussed included preparedness for the opening of schools, what kind of arrangements will be made by the administration for the health and safety of students, and the hygiene measures in schools,” the official said further regarding the consultations of reopening schools by HRD ministry.

Later, On June 9, Tuesday, Pokhriyal said that the centre is contemplating the option of reducing the syllabus and instructional hours for the coming academic year.

In view of the current circumstances and after receiving a lot of requests from parents and teachers, we are contemplating the option of reduction in the syllabus and instructional hours for the coming academic year.@SanjayDhotreMP @HRDMinistry @PIB_India @MIB_India

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 9, 2020

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16, when the centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as part of a slew of measures to contain the Covid-19 outbreak. A 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which came into effect the next day. While the government has announced easing of certain restrictions, schools and colleges continue to remain closed.

Source: PTI