Parents’ Consent, Flexible Attendance: New Rules For School Reopening
School Reopening News: The Department of School Education and Literacy on October 5 released SOPs for reopening schools after October 15.
Students will attend schools only with the written consent of parents and there will be flexibility in attendance, say guidelines issued today by the government for the reopening of schools.
The SOPs were released by the Department of School Education and Literacy. In its Unlock5 announcement, the Home Ministry had said states and Union Territories can decide when to reopen schools and coaching centres.
According to the SOPs, students can opt for online classes. Schools must ensure proper sanitisation of equipment and classrooms. Schools have been asked to form task forces for ensuring hygiene and quick response to emergency situations.
The SOPs say physical distancing must be maintained at schools and students and teachers must wear face masks at all times.
Here are the highlights:
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 5, 2020
As per para -1 of @HMOIndia's order no. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 30.09.2020 for reopening, States/UT Governments may take a decision in respect of reopening of schools and coaching institutions after 15th Oct in a graded manner. #SchoolGuidelines pic.twitter.com/JLfJ97qJsF
Schools will be required to make a “comprehensive academic calendar” for the whole year focusing on the learning outcomes, following the alternative calendar prepared by the NCERT. Schools must also ensure “smooth transition” from home-based schooling to formal schooling, the guidelines said.
The Education Department has also asked States and Union Territories to develop their own SOP based on the centre’s guidelines.
Schools and colleges have been shut since March, when the country went into a lockdown to check the spread of the coronavirus.
