New Delhi (UNI) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said that re-opening of schools, colleges, education institutions and coaching institutions would be decided by the States and Union Territories (UTs) as they have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020 in a graded manner.
According to the fresh guidelines, the States Governments would take decision in consultation with the respective school, institution management, based on their assessment of the situation. However, the online or 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 whereas students may attend schools institutions only with the written consent of parents as directed in Unlock 4 guidelines.
“States /UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view”, the MHA’s new guidelines said.
Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by Education Departments of States, UTs, it added.
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. However, online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
The Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory and experimental works will be permitted to open from October 15, 2020, with the condition that the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
For all other Higher Education Institutions such as State Universities, Private Universities, they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory, experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.
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