Mumbai : Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday permitted to reopen a majority of the day-schools in the state, with restrictions, from October 4 onwards.
Accordingly, the school will open from October 4 – for Std. 5-12 in rural areas, but only for Std. 8-12 in urban areas and cities – after a break of 18 months when they were closed due to the COVID crisis.
School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said, “The schools will be permitted to reopen only with strict adherence to all Covid-19 protocols, SOPs prepared by the education department in consultation with the Covid Pediatric Task Force, and other norms to ensure safety of the children.”
“While attendance will not be compulsory, parental assent will be mandatory for allowing their children to attend school, and depending on the numbers, schools may opt for either limited classes or alternate day classes,” she informed.
The state government had earlier declared to reopen the schools. However, the COVID Task Force apparently cautioned against going back to physical classes in anticipation of third pandemic wave.
After which, the opposition BJP had protested over the delay and asked the ruling coalition to clarify its stance on reopening of the educational facilities.
- Latest
