MoE issues guidelines for reopening of educational institutions from Oct 15

NEW DELHI: As part of the Government of India move to ease lockdown restrictions in a graded manner, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has recently released guidelines for reopening schools and colleges. The central government has said that state governments are free to take a stand on whether they wish to reopen schools or not after October 15. Attendance norms will be eased and students will be allowed to choose if they wish to attend classes online.

The guidelines also calls for schools to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of premises, flexibility in attendance and no assessment for up to three weeks.  Schools will also have to make sure that students experience a smooth transition from home-based schooling during COVID-19 lockdown to classes held in schools. The centre has also asked state governments to prepare their own standard operating procedure (SOP) for ensuring health and safety precaution for schools in each district based on their local conditions.

The ministry said, “Schools may be encouraged to make their own SOPs based on the guidelines issued by states/union territories (UT), keeping in view the safety and social distancing norms, and ensuring that the notices, posters, messages, communication to parents in this regard are prominently displayed and disseminated.”