Preparing the way for reopening of schools, closed since the past seven months due to the Corona outbreak, the Punjab School Education Department on Wednesday recommended the opening of schools for Classes IX to XII for three hours in shifts.
Even as the final decision is yet to be taken, the state’s Education Secretary Krishan Kumar has given an advisory report to the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home Affairs and Justice) for reopening of schools in Punjab from October 15 as per the Centre’s decision.
Notably, the Union Education Ministry had, on October 5, released the guidelines for reopening of schools asking the states to frame their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for health and safety precautions based on their local requirements.
The School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla clarified that the State Government has not taken any decision yet regarding the opening of the schools in the state, but only suggestions have been given to the Home Department following their letter regarding reopening of schools.“The final decision regarding reopening of schools will be taken by the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh after reviewing all precautions regarding safety of students,” he said.
Singla said that in response to the comments on reopening of certain activities in school from October 15, 2020, sought by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, the School Education Secretary has apprised about the safety measures to be ensured in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that the Union Government has already issued the instructions regarding reopening of schools and reports were being taken from the states on daily basis.
“The Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs and Justice, has been informed about the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which could be considered in case of the opening of the schools in the State such as school could be begin with only the students from Classes IX to XII for three hours a day, where the students in more numbers, teachers may be called in two shifts of three hours, all the safety measures or sanitization etc will be adhered to, the minimum distance between students shall be as per the SOP of the Health Department” said the Minister.
He said that on an average, there will not be more than 20 students in a section to attend the classes.