Extend closure of schools, colleges closure until May 31: Panel to Karnataka Govt

A few days back, the Karnataka government had formed a task force to get recommendations regarding the continuation of lockdown. The task force has suggested continuing the lockdown at hot spots after April 14. It further suggested the closure of schools and colleges until May 31. Presently, the state government is engaged in discussions with specialists, experts, and various other stakeholders to decide on its lockdown exit strategy and would take a final call. In March, the educational institutions across the state were closed to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) suspended the SSLC examinations as a precautionary measure for coronavirus outbreak.

The Pre-University Certificate (PUC or Class 12 exam) has also not been finished in the state yet. The Karnataka SSLC exam was scheduled to take place between March 27 and April 9. More than eight lakh students had registered for the exam. Before this, the school education department had decided to promote class 7 and 8 students without any exams. On Wednesday, a state government-appointed panel, headed by Dr Devi Shetty of Narayana Health hospitals, had submitted recommendations to the government. The recommendations consisted of a phased exit from the lockdown in two-week intervals.

According to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, a decision is to be taken on Friday as to whether the 21-day lockdown would be prolonged in the state or parts of it after it ends on April 14.

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