In an attempt to pre-empt the Covid third wave surge –which is viewed as a faster spreading infection and children are believed to be more susceptible the state government suspended all physical classes for pre-primary to Class-II students till January 15 next.
A review of the situation would be held on January 15 next based on which the next step would be taken.
While several other restrictions and strict observance of the Covid norms were instructed the e on-going examinations would, however, continue. In the examination halls also al Covid appropriate behaviors would have to be maintained.
An official release said the scheduled examinations of the University/ College examinations would continue. The Universities/ Colleges had been asked to ensure aggressive Covid-19 appropriate behaviour including sanitization, wearing of the masks by the students and maintaining social distancing among students during the examination.
The classes of the Universities/ Colleges would continue with 50 percent capacity of the students on alternate days so that every student can attend classes once in two days.
The University/ College authorities had been advised to take steps for holding classes in two shifts on the same day dividing students in two groups to mitigate Covid situation.
According to the release, the online classes or in blending mode might also be taken to bridge the learning gaps.
The hostel of the Colleges/ Institutes would be closed with effect from Tuesday
The Registrar, TU/ MBBU and ICFAI University and other Private Colleges had been requested to follow the guidelines in connection with continuation of classes to mitigate Covid situation. The teaching and non-teaching staff would continue to attend the University/ Colleges/ Institutes.
Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, the decisions were taken in a meeting with the Secretary and Director of Education.
A notification issued in this regard said, “The students who will be appearing in the examinations shall only attend school on the days of their examinations and other students shall not attend school on the examination days in such schools.”
In the schools where examinations aren’t scheduled, 50 percent of the students enrolled would be allowed to attend the school in each class (except Pre-primary to Class-II) ensuring that every student gets to attend school once in two days.
The notification said the teaching and non-teaching staff would continue to attend the school.
“The hostels attached to School Education Department and run by SC Welfare Department, Tribal Welfare Department, Minority Welfare Department and Samagra Shiksha will remain closed for all purposes except for the stay of students who will be appearing in the ongoing examinations,” the notification said.
The minister said, the COVID protocol shall have to be maintained for conducting examinations and physical classes of the students. HM/TIC/ Examiners will ensure strict adherence to physical distancing norms and face mask/face cover for all students.
The Heads of the schools have been asked to make adequate arrangements for distribution of masks (for students who aren’t wearing the same) hand wash, sanitization and thermal scanning at the entry point.
He said the order would be applicable for all government, government-aided and unaided
private schools and Madrasas.
