Will Schools, Colleges In Odisha Reopen From November?

Bhubaneswar: The Unlock 5 guidelines announced in September have been extended to November 30, which means the states have the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions in a graded manner.

The Odisha government, however, is yet to take a decision in this regard, despite a proposal from the School and Mass Education (SME) department for ‘partial’ reopening of schools from November.

THE PROPOSAL

1. Commencement of Classes IX, X and Plus II classes from November
2. Reopening of schools for elementary students in a phased manner thereafter

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department is preparing a new academic session in accordance with the UGC guidelines.

An official of the department told New Indian Express that the admission process for the first year in the 2020-21 academic calendar is expected to be completed by November third week. The department also expects to commence PG classes by the end of November after the announcement of Common PG Entrance Test results and completion of the admission process for the 2020-21 academic session. 

The official, however, added they would proceed in the matter after the unlock guidelines for November are announced.

School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash told the daily that decision on reopening of schools will be taken soon after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state.

Schools and other educational institutions have been asked to continue with the online classes till the dates for commencement of classes in physical mode is finalised, the report added.

KNOW THE UNLOCK 5.0 GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

– Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

– Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.

– Students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents.

– Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.

– States /UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.

– Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP issued by Education Departments of States/ UTs.

– Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges/ Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), based on the assessment of the situation. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

– However, Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works permitted to open from October 15, 2020, as under:

i) For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.

ii) For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (PhD) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.