Schools & colleges to open after Durga Puja, on Nov 1: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam's health, finance, and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the schools and other educational institutions in the state shall reopen from November 1 onwards, as part of the Central Government's 'Unlock 5' initiative.

Biswa Sarma, ending all speculations, recently divulged to media that the government has decided to reopen schools from Class 6 till the college level from November 1 onwards. Notably, the celebrations will begin after the Durga Puja, which is expected to be "low-key" this year.

Schools and colleges in Assam have reopened for the higher class students from September 21 onwards after the Centre gave its directives for 'Unlock4'. During this phase, all the precautions related to the COVID-19 disease were taken. Additionally, certain rules were set for the schools and colleges -- such as the conduct of classes in batches -- in view of the ongoing pandemic situation.

It may be mentioned that the Union Ministry of Education has issued a fresh set of guidelines for the reopening of schools and coaching institutions from 15th October onwards in a graded manner.

As per the guidelines, the students have to take a written consent from their parents to be allowed to attend their classes.

Additionally, to meet the nutritional requirements of children and safeguard their immunity during the COVID-19 outbreak, states or union territories were advised to provide a hot cooked mid-day meal or its equivalent food security allowance to eligible children during the closure of schools and summer vacations.

The ministry has also urged the teachers, school counselors, and school health workers to work in unison to ensure the "emotional safety" of their students. After the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced in India, much emphasis has been placed on the emotional and mental well being of the students.

The Centre has also advised the schools/colleges to continue with online classes in the aftermath of the COVID-19-triggered lockdown in the country.

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