Bhubaneswar: After announcing early summer vacation in schools due to intense heatwave conditions, the Odisha government is considering a proposal to switch over to online classes for the benefit of students.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond told reporters that schools across the state were closed much earlier than the schedule. Therefore, the state government is thinking in terms of conducting online classes for the students.
The proposal would be discussed and a final decision would be taken after examining all aspects, he said.
The Department will also inform the students and their parents about the date of reopening of schools.
The Minister further stated that some private schools are reported to be flouting the government order and running classes. The closure of schools was announced keeping in view the intense heatwave in the state and all schools are required to act in accordance with the government order, he said, adding strict action would be taken against violators.
Those keeping the schools open in violation of the order would be held accountable if any mishap takes place due to heatwave, said Gond.
To a question on protest staged by many parents at Odisha State Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) office on Monday, the Minister said the matter is being examined and if any error is detected then corrective steps would be taken.
Notably, a large number of parents staged the protest alleging irregularities in enrolment of students belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) in private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act, in the current academic year.
The protesters, under the banner of Odisha Parents’ Federation, also locked the grievance cell of OSEPA seeking formation of a special committee under the SME department to oversee the admission process of students under EWS quota.
They alleged that apart from allowing more time to private schools for registration and reducing the time limit of eligible students to apply under the scheme by at least three days, the authorities concerned have even rejected 8,101 applications received through Paradarshi portal.
