Schools still closed in nine states, fully functioning in eleven: Education Ministry

The ministry officials said that at least 95% of the teaching and non-teaching staff have been vaccinated. However, there are states that have achieved 100 percent vaccination coverage for the school staff.

School Reopening in India: Eleven states in the country have fully reopened schools however, sixteen states have partially opened mainly for higher classes. Meanwhile, nine states have continued to keep schools closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Union Education Ministry officials informed. While talking about the closure of schools across the country, they informed about the vaccination status among the teaching and non-teaching staff in all states. The ministry officials said that at least 95% of the teaching and non-teaching staff have been vaccinated. However, there are states that have achieved 100 percent vaccination coverage for the school staff.

"Taking into account the extensive vaccination coverage, the ministry of education had issued revised guidelines to states in December last year and the decision to ask for parents' consent was left with states," Sweety Changsan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education said during a press conference.

"Also, the revised guidelines talked about congregations and gatherings which were earlier banned in schools. As per the new advisory, schools may celebrate events and hold gatherings according to the SOPs issued by concerned state," she added.

Meanwhile, the Centre is likely to implement revised COVID-19 guidelines on schools and other educational institutions. For smooth transitioning of the teaching and learning process from online to offline, the government has also asked schools and institutions to build bridge courses to cover academic losses.

Reports also suggests that the government has given the responsibility to states and UTs to decide whether or not consent from parents is necessary for students to attend offline classes.

Read More: