Centre issues guidelines for reopening of schools from Oct 15; check details here

New Delhi, Oct 05: Ministry of Education on Monday released guidelines for reopening of schools from 15th October in a graded manner. The guidelines have been issued in accordance with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).

It also asked the states and Union territories to frame their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for health and safety precautions, based on their local requirements.

The guidelines for reopening of schools are comprised of two parts one is SOP for health, hygiene, and safety and another is for learning with physical and social distancing.

"Schools must arrange and implement for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteens, washrooms, laboratories, libraries on school campuses and ensure air flow in an indoor space," the ministry said in a set of guidelines for a gradual reopening of schools from October 15.

"Schools may be encouraged to make their own SOPs based on the guidelines issued by states and UTs, keeping in view the safety and physical or social-distancing norms, and ensuring that the notices, posters, messages, communication to parents in this regard are prominently displayed and disseminated," it said.

The ministry recommended that schools adopt flexible attendance and sick leave policies. "Flexible attendance and sick leave policies may be developed and implemented to encourage students and staff to stay at home when sick. Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents. Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school.

"There shall be no assessment up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening and use of ICT and online learning shall continue to be encouraged," it said.

What the guidelines for reopening of schools from October 15?

• Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents.
• There will be flexibility in attendance norms.
• Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school.
• Precautions to be taken for preparing and serving Midday Meal in schools.
• The alternative academic calendar of @ncert may be followed.
• No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening. Use of ICT & online learning shall continue to be encouraged.
• The SOP also provides for guidelines on ensuring emotion well being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to Manodarpan initiative.
• Checklist for a safe school environment, as adopted from @UNICEFIndia guideline is provided for schools parents and students to contain the spread of COVID19.

Universities and schools across the country were ordered shut on March 16 to contain the spread of the coronavirus.