Educational institutions reopen in Assam after a gap of seven months

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The educational institutions in the State formally reopened on Monday after a gap of seven months even as Dispur asserted that the battle against Novel Coronavirus would continue.

Barring the universities, most of the other educational institutions (both government and private) including schools, undergraduate, degree, engineering colleges, polytechnics, private training and coaching institutions were reopened across the State on Monday morning.

Attendance of students in schools, colleges and private training and coaching institutes in the city was nearly 50 per cent. Schools and colleges in rural areas and semi urban areas registered nearly 70 per cent attendance.

"Students' turnout is much better this time than the informal reopening of schools in September. Many students have told us that they are eager to come to schools on a regular basis to attend physical classes by following all the COVID-safety protocols," said a teacher at Ulubari Higher Secondary School. He also stated that classes were held at his school by following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for COVID safety and prevention.

Girl students in a good number also attended the classes in their schools and colleges. The TC Government HS & MP School — the oldest girls' school in the city — witnessed a good turnout of students.

"Frankly speaking, I have become frustrated due to such a long confinement at home. Though I was attending online classes, physical classes have different importance. So for a change, I have reported for the classes in my school," said SangeetaSaikia, a student at the TC Government HS & MP School.

Don Bosco School at Pan Bazar — one of the oldest private English-medium schools — also started physical classes for students studying in Classes IX, X, XI and XII.

On the other hand, Education Minister HimantaBiswaSarma said that reopening of the educational institutions must not be perceived that the pandemic is over. "The battle against COVID-19 is still on and would continue. Students and teachers must adhere to COVID-safety protocols in the educational institutions," said Sarma.

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