No timeline fixed on reopening of schools yet: Centre

No timeline has been set by Education Ministry to reopen the schools across the country, the Centre said. 

In wake of the rising coronavirus cases in the country, the Central government has said that no timeline has been set by Education Ministry to re-open the schools that have been kept closed since mid-March. The Centre further said that the opening of schools solely depends on the COVID-19 situation in the country. So far, only Union Territory of India, Chandigarh has shown interest to open the schools, the Centre informed.

The Centre also added that the issue of reopening of schools will be discussed with the Health Ministry and state governments in next 10-15 days. “Any decision to re-open the schools will be taken keeping in mind the safety of students”, it said.

Earlier, a panel was appointed by University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed that the academic session in the Universities and Higher Educational institutions can start from September. The Council had constituted two committees to look into the matter of academic loss and online education in wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and lockdown imposed to contain it.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had earlier stated that the safety of the students and teachers is of utmost importance for the government and his Ministry when it comes to taking a decision on reopening of schools. He had also said that his ministry will ensure there is no academic of students if schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions are taking to reopen because of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America’s population. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government,” he had said.

While announcing the guidelines for Unlock 3, the Union Home Ministry had said that the schools, colleges and universities will remain closed until August 31.

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