Schools have opened up in many states since September 21 amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. However, many state governments are still hesitant to open up educational institutions amidst the pandemic that is raging across the country.
Moreover, parents of children are unable to take any concrete decisions about sending children to schools due to fear of being infected by the virus.
Meanwhile, the central government has released the guideline of Unlock 5.0, charting out the rules to open all educational institutions including schools and colleges.
Educational institutions will open from October 15
Flexibility has been given to the State / UT Governments to open schools, colleges, educational institutions and coaching institutes in a phased manner. They will be able to take a decision to reopen it after October 15, 2020, given the conditions. However, for this, the governments will consult with the schools/institute management and follow the given conditions mentioned in the guidelines.
Online education preferred mode of learning over physical classroom sessions
Online education/distance learning will continue and will be encouraged continuously. Schools that are running online classes and those students who want to study online instead of being physically present in school will be allowed to do so.
The Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education can take the decision to open a college / higher education institution in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Online classes and distance learning will also be continued here and encouraged
When will higher education institutions open?
Permission will also be given to start labs and practical classes from October 15, 2020, for Ph.D. students of higher education institutions and post-graduate students with science-technology.
New guidelines for opening of colleges?
The Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education can take the decision to open a college / higher education institution in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Online classes and distance learning will continue to be the preferred mode of learning.
The MHA has issued new guidelines on Wednesday, for opening up of more activities in areas outside the containment Zones. In these guidelines, which will come into effect from October 1, 2020, the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.
In its October guideline, the Centre has allowed cinema halls, multiplexes, and swimming pools to resume function from October 15 after they closed down in March due to the lockdown. Movie theatres, multiplexes will open with only 50 percent capacity.
