HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal says Centre is contemplating option of reducing syllabus

HRD Minister has sought suggestions from students, teachers and parents on reducing the syllabus and instructional hours in coming academic session, looking at the present situation. 

In the wake of the closure of academic institutions in the country since mid-March as a preventive measure to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has said that the department is considering the option of reducing the syllabus and instructional hours for the coming academic year.

"In view of the current circumstances and after receiving a lot of requests from parents and teachers, we are contemplating the option of reduction in the syllabus and instructional hours for the coming academic year," he tweeted.

The HRD minister has also urged students, teachers, and parents to come forward with their ideas regarding reducing the syllabus for the 2020 academic session.

"I would like to appeal to all teachers, academicians, and educationists to share their point of view on this matter using #SyllabusForStudents2020 on MHRD's or my Twitter and Facebook page so that we can take them into consideration while making a decision," he tweeted.

The HRD ministry on Monday began consultation with states and other stakeholders on reopening of schools that have been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meeting chaired by Secretary School Education, Anita Karwal, the state education secretaries also deliberated upon the health and safety of students, hygiene measures in schools and issues regarding online and digital education.

The HRD minister further said that he has sought suggestions and they will be examined and sent to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Obtained valuable suggestions from state governments regarding issues related to school education. Our priority has always been the safety and security of students and teachers,” the minister said in a tweet.

“The suggestions received will be examined and sent to the @MoHFW_INDIA and Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate actions regarding framing guidelines for the education sector during COVID-19 times,” he said in another tweet.

Meanwhile, the minister also announced that the CBSE is expected to declare CBSE 10th Result 2020 and CBSE 12th Result 2020 by August 15. These include the results of previous exams and the results of examinations in July. 

Read More:

• CBSE Board Results 2020: Class 10th, 12th results to be declared by August 15; check details here
• CBSE to release rationalised syllabus within a month, says board chairman