Education Ministry releases guidelines for reopening of schools from October 15

The Education Ministry released guidelines for reopening of schools from October 15 in a graded manner, reported news agency PTI. “No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of schools’ reopening, flexibility in attendance norms. The SOP also provides for guidelines on ensuring the emotional well-being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to the Manodarpan initiative,” Ministry of Education said.

“Schools must ensure a smooth transition of students from home-based schooling during COVID-19 lockdown to formal schooling,” the ministry added.

The ministry stated that the States, UTs will have to prepare their own SOPs for health, safety precautions for reopening of schools as per local requirements.

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the “Checklist for a safe school environment, as adopted from UNICEF India guideline is provided for schools parents and students to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“Precautions to be taken for preparing and serving Midday Meal in schools. The alternative academic calendar of NCERT may be followed,” Dr Pokriyal said, adding that schools, which are allowed to, open must follow the guideline prepared by State/UT Education Departments based on SOP of DoSEL. The SOP/guidelines of DoSEL, Education Ministry of India comprises of two parts — Health, hygiene, safety and learning with physical/social distancing.

Some other SOPs in points:

1. Schools to form Task Teams such as emergency care support/response team, the general support team for all stakeholders, commodity support team, hygiene inspection team etc, with earmarked responsibilities will be helpful.

2. Physical distancing, social distancing to be ensured while planning the seating arrangements. Functions and events to be avoided.

3. All students and staff must arrive in school wearing face mask/shield and continue wearing it all through, especially when in class or doing any activity in groups such as eating in the mess, working in laboratories or reading in the libraries.

4. Flexible attendance and leave policies may be developed and implemented to encourage students and staff to stay at home when sick.