No decision taken yet to reopen schools in the state: Goa Chief Minister

No decision on reopening of schools in the state have been made so far, Goa Chief Minister said.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that he will be conducting a virtual meeting within two days with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), the Goa Headmasters’ Association, and School Managements to discuss the reopening of schools across the state.

“We have not yet decided on the opening of schools, but I will be holding a meeting first with PTAs and headmasters’ association,” he told a media house.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had said that the government wants to re-open the schools partially for Classes 9 to 12 as well as the final year graduate-level institutions in consultation with PTAs and headmasters’ associations.

However, the Science and Technology Minister Michael Lobo is not in favor of the plans. “If children go to school then chances are that those with weak immunity may contract the virus. Going to Higher Secondary schools by bus is going to be the biggest risk. I have requested the Chief Minister to consider these reasons and delay the opening of schools and colleges,” he said.

The Union Health Ministry has recently given its permission to open educational institutions across the country from September 21 onwards for classes 9 to 12 in phase manner, and the attendance will be voluntary.

The Ministry had also released the guidelines in which it stated that schools that fall outside the containment zones only shall be allowed to open. Also, all the educational institutions shall be thoroughly sanitized before opening, this includes all work areas intended for teaching, demonstrations, etc. including labs and other common Utility areas.

“Schools that were earlier used as quarantine centers will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed,” the Union Government had said. Similarly, teaching and non-teaching employees may be called to schools to continue online teaching.

Read More:

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