Karnataka government on Saturday announced that schools will reopen from January 1, 2021 for standard six students and above, including 10th and 12th. Students of class 6th to 9th will have to bring a written consent letters from their parents to attend the classes. Students from class 10th to 12th will have to attend their regular classes.
Besides, it was also decided to start the Vidyagama programme, which enables continued schooling for students from classes six to nine.
The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on re-opening schools and PU colleges in the state. The advice given by the state's Technical Advisory committee for Covid-19 on reopening of schools was discussed in detail for about an hour.
In a tweet, Yediyurappa added that a decision on reopening schools for students of other classes would be taken after reviewing the situation for 15 days. Both classes 10 and second PUC are crucial, as students will have to face board exams.
"Students having symptoms of Covid-19 need not attend the classes. Attending classes under Vidyagama (Class 6th to 9th) is not compulsory. Only half day school will be allowed with a limit of maximum 20 students in every class. The provision for mid-day meal will not be continued but food kits will be supplied to the homes of students," Education Minister Suresh Kumar said.
As per Education Minister, only 15 students would be allowed per room, while Vidyagama classes would be held outside within the school premises.
Schools and PU colleges have remained closed since March just ahead of the national lockdown was first enforced to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Degree and engineering colleges in the state were reopened on November 17.
Figures till December 18 suggest, Karnataka had reported 9,07,123 COVID-19 infections, while the toll stood at 11,989. The number of active cases was 15,380.
