BHOPAL: Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday declared that schools in Madhya Pradesh will reopen in a phased manner from July 26, beginning with classes 11 and 12 at 50% capacity.
Chouhan said that studies and school activities of children have been affected by the pandemic. “Learning is on via online and virtual processes, but its effectiveness is yet to be assessed. Children are getting frustrated after being stuck at home for a long time. The school administrations have their own problems. In these circumstances, and since corona infection is under control in the state at the moment, it has been decided to start school operations in a phased manner,” the chief minister said at the inauguration of an educational building.
Classes 11 and 12 can start four days a week, he said. Schools can divide students into two batches and call them two days each a week. After observing the situation for a week, a decision will be taken regarding starting coaching institutes and colleges, he added.
GoM to oversee edu activities: CM
If the situation remains normal and under control, then from August 15, the decision to start classes 9 and 10, and then middle and primary schools can be taken by the state government,” he said. Sources said that colleges are likely to resume physical classes from August 1.
Authorities of private schools and colleges have long been demanding reopening, saying they have been hit hard by the nearly 18-month-long shutdown.
Chouhan warned that Covid is still around and there is the possibility of a third wave, so there is need for extreme caution. A significant chunk of parents TOI spoke to said they are wary of sending their kids to school until they are fully vaccinated. Schools, on the other hand, assure they will enforce strict Covid precautions, and have made vaccination mandatory for staff. Caution is the key, said the CM. “At present, we have the pandemic under control. Today, there are only 20 confirmed cases in the state and 250 active patients. The state government is constantly vigilant. The decision to open educational institutions is being taken while being extremely alert,” he said.
At the Akshara event, the CM said implementation of new education policy will be ensured under the guidance of educationists, subject experts and school owners. A group of ministers has been specially constituted by the state government to conduct educational activities.
“This group, in consultation with experts, will decide the nature of starting vocational education from Class 6 onwards. Decisions regarding course scheduling, training and others will also be taken after consultation with subject-experts,” he said.
