SHILLONG, SEP 30: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday said state governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision for re-opening of schools after October 15, in a graded manner.
In a notification, the MHA said that the decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/institution management, based on their assessment of the situation and subject to the condition that online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
It said where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so adding students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents. Attendance must not be enforced, and must depend entirely on parental consent.
The MHA has also asked the state governments to prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.
It said the Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges/Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with MHA, based on the assessment of the situation.
However, Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works will be permitted to open from October 15.
It said for Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective state governments.
Asked, Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui said that the state government will accordingly examine the order issued by the MHA.
“The government will take a call while also taking the situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration,” he said.
By Our Reporter
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