MHRD Begins Consultation on Reopening Schools, Student Safety

On Monday, the Ministry of Human Resource Development began consulting with the states and other stakeholders about the reopening of schools. All schools in India have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a meeting administered by Anita Karwal, the Secretary of School Education, the state education secretaries discussed health and student safety, hygiene measures in schools and online education.

The HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, said that the recommendations would be considered and sent to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs. He said in a tweet:

 “Obtained valuable suggestions from state governments regarding issues related to school education. Our priority has always been the safety and security of students and teachers.”

In another tweet, he said, “The suggestions received will be examined and sent to the @MoHFW_INDIA and Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate actions regarding framing guidelines for education sector during COVID- 19 times.”

According to officials of the ministry, suggestions received from states included staggered classes, relaxation of attendance maintenance, classes on alternative days for student batches and a flexible plan to avoid emergencies.

However, according to an official, it is too early to decide when schools will reopen. The Ministry of Home Affairs will make the final decision in this regard.

“Among the issues that were discussed included preparedness for the opening of schools, what kind of arrangements will be made by the administration for the health and safety of students, and the hygiene measures in schools,” the official said.

On 30 May, the central government had declared easing of restrictions in phases, while the lockdown would continue in containment zones until 30 June. The government had said that educational institutions would be opened after consultation with the states and Union Territories.

“State governments and UT administrations may hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on reopening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July,” the Home Ministry had said.

However, many parents felt that such a move would be unsafe. More than 400,000 parents petitioned the government demanding that schools be closed until the situation ameliorates or a vaccine is prepared.

For the fifth consecutive day, India has registered more than 9,000 cases of coronavirus.