Assam Government Aiming to Reopen Educational Institutes on 1 September

The government of Assam is aiming to reopen education institutions on 1 September. However, much of the decision rests with the central government.

The Health and Education Minister of Assam said that all teachers and staff must get themselves tested for coronavirus before 30 August. Compulsory sample tests of them will be done from 23 to 30 August.

Also Read: COVID-19: Assam to Extend Academic Session to March 2021 for Government Schools

The Minister said that the matter will be discussed with parents, guardians and other stakeholders. The final step will be taken according to the directives of the central government.

The MInister said that after institutes are reopened, classes will be held in open spaces, including the playground and courtyard of schools, for students studying in classes 5 to 8.

Students studying in classes 9 and 11 would attend classes two days a week, while those studying in classes 10 and 12 would attend classes four days a week. For students up to class 4, schools would remain shut until the end of September.

At a time, around 15 students will be allowed to attend class.

As for colleges, only students studying in their final semester will be taught, while for postgraduate students, the concerned universities will make the decision as convenient.

Before educational institutions are reopened, Standard Operating Procedures and schedules will be released on the official website of the Education Department. These will also be made available to the public.

The Minister said that to ease the burden on the students, the Secondary Education Board of Assam and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council have been asked to either reduce the syllabus or provide maximum options in the question paper.

Along with the rest of the country, educational institutions in Assam have been shut since the middle of March.

The Education Minister also said that the government of Assam has decided to constitute a 40-member committee to suggest ways and means to implement the new education policy announced by the Centre. This committee would have several sub-groups. The state will have prepared a blueprint by January 2021.

Educational infrastructure will also be established in the rural areas of the state.

“We are setting up 119 high schools across the tea estates of the state. We would try to spend around Rs. 1.19 crore for construction of each school. Assam is spending close to 5.8 percent of GDP on education, around Rs. 21,500 crore is spent annually,” Sarma said.