Delhi government has decided to reopen schools in the state from January 18 onwards. The schools will reopen for classes 10 and 12 for pre-board preparations and practical work.

All the schools in the Union Territory would reopen after a gap of 10 months since March 2020 due to the pandemic followed by the lockdown. Students having parents' consent will be allowed to enter the schools' premises.

The decision to reopen schools comes a week after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the government is planning to reopen schools only after the COVID vaccine is available for the public after all the frontline workers are vaccinated.

Manish Sisodia announced the reopening via a tweet. He wrote, “In view of CBSE board examinations and practicals in Delhi, permission is being given to open schools for practical, project, counseling, etc. for 10th and 12th classes from January 18. Children can be called only with the consent of their parents. Children will not be forced to come.”

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Directorate of Education (DoE) said, “In order to conduct the activities pertaining to pre-board preparations and practical work, the head of government, aided and unaided recognized schools may call the students of classes 10 and 12 only to school with effect from January 18, 2021. However, the child should be called to school only with the consent of parents, following the enclosed standard operating procedure. Further, while the records of children coming to school be maintained, the same should not be used for attendance purposes as sending the child to school is completely optional for parents,” reported HT.

Schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen and students, teachers, and non-teaching staff living outside the containment zones can enter the school premises. No physical outdoor activities or assembly will be held. Also, students cannot share books, copies, and stationery items. Also, schools will have to maintain social distancing norms, staggered timings, and maintain hygiene, among other Covid-19-appropriate guidelines already issued by the government.

As per the circular, the pre-board exams for Class 10 would be conducted from April 1 to April 15, 2021, and pre-board for Class 12 will be conducted from March 3 to April 15, 2021.

Source: Hindustan Times

BDST: 1825 HRS, JAN 13, 2021
AP