Modified seating plans, change in timings and further division of the class into various segments could be among the key features in schools when they re-open in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank educated during a live interaction with teachers today.
HRD Minister Clarifies the School’s Functioning After the Lockdown
Social distancing should be kept up during classes as well as during transport facilities like school transport service.
He explained, “It is quite possible that classes would be able to incapacitate only 30 per cent of students they used to have before coronavirus. These modalities are being worked out by NCERT.”
The NCERT is exploring new system for opening schools, while the UGC is working out modalities for higher educational institutions, including schools and colleges for the upcoming session, he expressed.
While the UGC has expressed that classes for selected students will start in August for new cluster classes will start from September, there is no clarity on when schools will reopen.
“The health of our students is our key concern. The schools will be open only once the situation caused due to coronavirus is normalised,” the HRD Minister commented.
While replying to the question regarding the re-opening of schools post lockdown, the Minister also informed that “the school administration and teachers will carry out the various tasks such as defining specific roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders at the school level, defining and establishing health and hygiene and other Safety Protocols or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before and after re-opening of schools, redefining or readjusting School Calendar and Annual Curriculum Plans, ensuring a smooth transition of students from home-based schooling during lockdown to formal schooling and ensuring emotional well-being of students,” the official government release stated.
He included that schools will plan agendas to guarantee they don’t pass up anything. CBSE will be sharing the agendas soon.
He also requested that teachers and students download the Aarogya Setu app to battle against coronavirus and stay updated on the most recent information identified with coronavirus.