Karnataka: Financial aid to teachers who die on Covid duty

-Reshma Ravishanker

The Karnataka government has announced the setting up on an expert panel to frame guidelines for primary and secondary education in the state during 2021-22.

This comes after most schools and colleges have remained closed or have been asked to conduct only online classes for students in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was announced by the minister for primary and secondary education, S Suresh Kumar following a meeting with the officials from the education department and other stakeholders in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

According to official communication from the minister’s office, the committee will oversee the assessment models, online education, offline education, teacher training methodology, pragmatic utilization of budgetary resources, and many other related issues.

The committee will work with experts from across sectors to see the best interests of the children. It will comprise of eminent educationists, representatives from the Indian Institute of Science, The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Child specialists, health experts besides officers and representatives of parents, private schools and teacher associations.

Even as there is uncertainty over the commencement of in-person classes, the government has said that implementation of the National Education Policy will be top agenda.

Financial Aid to Teachers

The dependents of government or aided school teachers who died on Covid duty will get financial assistance from the teachers benefit fund. The education department has also put forth a proposal to the department of health and family welfare to treat teachers as Covid warriors and vaccinate them on priority.

With respect to the functioning and opening of schools, Sankanuru Committee has been asked to submit its report to the department on renewal or granting of recognition to private schools at the earliest date.