Assam: Educational institutions likely to reopen in September

GUWAHATI | AUG 01, 2020:

Educational institutions in Assam are likely to be opened in September; however, the final decision will be taken after the Centre gives its direction, said Education Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma here on Saturday.

While talking to the media, Sarma said that all the teachers and employees of the schools will have to get through the Covid-19 test and the Education and Health departments will coordinate the efforts for the tests that will be conducted from August 23-30.

Sarma said that the state government has drawn up a preliminary plan for reopening the schools but it is still open for further discussions with parents and other stakeholders and will be implemented only in accordance with the directives of the Union government.

Schools will remain closed for students up to Class 4 till September-end, he said.

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The classes will be divided into sections with only 15 students and only these students can attend classes at a time and the classes will be held in open spaces such as the playground or courtyard of the school for students of standard 5-8, he said.

Students of standard 9 and 11 will attend classes in their classrooms for two days a week with 15 students being present at a time. Those in standard 10 and 12 will attend classes four days a week.

Only 15 students will be present at a time in a classroom and classes will be held for only three hours in a day, the minister said.

At the degree level, classes will be held only for the final semesters while for the post-graduate students, the universities will take a decision.

All these proposals will be put up on the website of the Education Department and people are welcome to give their suggestions till August 20, Sarma said.