Coronavirus Pandemic: States Asked To Promote E-Learning During ‘Lockdown’

New Delhi: The Centre has proposed a nationwide closure of all educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) till March 31 in view of the growing number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India.

The government has also written to all the Chief Secretaries in states to promote online education to help students compensate for study losses.

It has also advised the states to explore the possibility of postponing exams. The ongoing exams should only be conducted after ensuring a distance of one metre between the examinees.

The directives came in a fresh advisory issued by the Central government on Monday.

The advisory said the proposed interventions will be in force till March 31. After that, the government will review the situation and take a call on their relaxation.

It has also asked the private sector to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.

A government statement said, “Meetings, as far as feasible, shall be done through video conferencing. Minimise or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary.”