Government announces important SOP’s; says states can reopen schools from Oct 15 in phased manner

Last updated on February 17th, 2023 at 12:30 pm

On Monday, The Union Ministry of education announced a detailed SOP for resuming schools and universities in the nation. In unlock 5.0, the Centre has permitted universities and schools to reopen in a phased way, beginning from October 15. The states have the power to choose whether they need to reopen schools from the following week or not. 

Delhi has decided to resume schools from the end of this month and Uttar Pradesh has declared reopening of schools in phases however has left the final choice to the districts, according to the local coronavirus situation. 

As per the Union ministry guidelines, students will be allowed to join classes strictly on an optional basis. Students would have to bring a permission letter from their parents to resume schools.

The Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal stated that flexibility in attendance will be provided to students due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Students can decide if they prefer online classes instead of attending school. 

Schools are urged to form task groups, for example, support/response team, emergency care support team, and cleanliness team with specific responsibilities.

The Union Government had indicated beforehand its preference when the Home Ministry allowed senior students of 9 to 12 classes to meet their teachers in schools. 

As per the SOP, the seating of students must be at a distance to maintain social distancing protocols. The schools are urged to follow the different entry and exit timings or different entry gates for students. 

If parents decide to send their kids to school, they will not send them daily due to the pandemic crisis. The attendance could be taken on a rotational basis, or every two days. Schools and colleges can decide on changing or adjusting their academic schedule, especially the exams schedule. The new arrangement may follow the rules of the Alternative Calendar made by the NCERT. 

Principals and teachers are advised to discuss clear information about the latest curriculum, the methods of learning, the date sheet of exams with the students. Online studies are encouraged to keep up the social distancing rules for safety reasons. 

As per the SOPs, It’s compulsory to wear masks for students, teachers, principals, and other staff when schools reopen. All will sit six feet away from other students in the classroom and strict hygiene will have to be followed by students while in school. 

For primary (I to V) class students, it won’t be necessary to carry a bag as study material will be provided to kids in the classroom. Sharing of any items won’t be allowed, like toys, school books, notebooks, stationery, or food items. When there will be pleasant weather, teachers could have classes in the playground or garden area as well. 

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As per the education ministry, parents are urged to use their vehicles to drop kids to their respective schools if possible. However, people residing in the containment zones will not be allowed to send their kids to school.