Maharashtra schools in remote areas with no Covid- 19 cases should reopen: CM

Schools in remote areas of Maharashtra unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic should be reopened by implementing social distancing norms, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday.

CM Stressed that the new academic year should begin in June with normal timings and the curriculum should also involve the necessity to develop and strengthen the online education system within the state.

Maharashtra is worst suffering from the coronavirus pandemic with 65,168 cases and with 2,197 deaths till now.

“In remote areas, where there's no internet connectivity and coronavirus pandemic spread, schools should be reopened by implementing social distancing norms. In places where there's a drag in physically restarting schools, the choice of online education must be used,” he told officials of the varsity Department of Education and Minister Varsha Gaikwad during a meeting held via video conferencing.
While it's not necessary that schools must restart now, the department should develop and strengthen the web education system within the end of the day, he said.

“Coronavirus pandemic shouldn’t be a roadblock within the education of youngsters. the tutorial year (2020-21) must start from June. Maharashtra should set an example before the remainder of the country,” said Thackeray.

He said Google platforms might be used on an experimental basis.

“Education may be a necessity which can't be allowed to be stopped, he said.

The CM also said that premises of faculties currently used as a coronavirus quarantine facility should be disinfected and sanitised before making them reusable.