West Bengal schools, colleges & other educational institutes to remain closed until November 30

Taking the decision amid the ongoing pandemic situation, the WB Government stated that ‘physical assemblies’ in schools and other educational institutes would be disallowed.

West Bengal Schools, Colleges Reopening: According to the latest update, the West Bengal Government extended the lockdown of schools, colleges and other educational institutes until November 30, 2020. Taking the decision amid the ongoing pandemic situation, the WB Government stated that ‘physical assemblies’ in schools and other educational institutes would be disallowed. The state government released a notification on November 2, informing of its decision to keep the educational institutes shut. However, the government allowed cultural functions, religious gatherings and other congregations outside containment zones in open space. Strict safety measures have to be followed for the same.

The official notification released by the government reads, "teaching-learning physical assemblies in schools (including Anganwadi centres), colleges and universities will continue to be disallowed". The decision on the reopening of schools in December would be taken after assessing the situation by end of November. Meanwhile, it is expected that the colleges may reopen from December 1, though no decision is available on schools.

On November 2, West Bengal Education minister Partha Chatterjee told media persons that the government was planning to start classes in colleges and universities from December 1. A call on whether lessons would be imparted offline was yet to be taken, he informed. He also said any decision about resuming classes in schools will be taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after Kali Puja, after taking into consideration all safety factors.

While the Central Government gave permission to reopen the schools from October 15, the final decision is to be taken by the State Governments. SOPs and guidelines are also released by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the same. Various states have either reopened the schools or are prepping for the same.

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