Maharastra to open schools for classes 8 to 12 in non-COVID zones from July 15

Maharashtra government has decided to reopen schools for classes 8 to 12 in zones where no COVID-19 case has been reported in the last month from July 15, state’s Minister of School Education Department Varsha Gaikwad said. 

The school education department of Maharashtra released an updated government resolution (GR) on Wednesday, stating that schools outside the COVID-zones can start physical classes after receiving parents’ consent.

Also read: JEE Mains 2021 to be conducted from July 20 to 25 and July 27 to August 2, 2021

“It has become a need of the hour to have a co-educational approach to reach out to the children of the last strata of the state,” Gaikwad said. She posted the GR on her Twitter handle for reference. 

According to the GR, an eight-member committee will be formed to take a call on these zones. The committee will comprise collectors, school principals and health officials. In rural areas, the committee will be headed by the head of the gram panchayat.

Also read: CBSE’s new rules for board exams spark hilarious reactions on Twitter

“Prior to the commencement of school, corona vaccination of all teachers and non-teaching staff in the respective schools should be done as a matter of priority. It is mandatory for all to strictly abide by the Corona prevention rules laid down by the state government before starting school. Considering the possibility of a possible third wave, any kind of negligence will not be tolerated,” Gaikwad added. 

According to the minister, the committee under the chairmanship of the Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat will be responsible for strict adherence to the Corona Prevention Rules at the village level. 

Also read: CBSE board exams: All you need to know about syllabus, duration and marking

“Let’s all come together in this challenging time, let’s secure our future! Continuing our children’s education; their health and safety will always be a priority in our decision-making process,” she added.

Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 9,558 new COVID-19 cases, 8,899 recoveries, and 147 deaths. The total case load in the state stood at 61,22,893. 

“Those who are able to house their workers in their premises itself should be encouraged and if that is not possible, they should be accommodated in the nearby premises. The officials should offer all possible help to them,” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said.