Consulting stakeholders over reopening of schools: Goa CM

The Goa government has already started its process of consultation with relevant stakeholders vis a vis reopening of the schools amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday.

Sawant also said the decision about when to reopen schools in the state, would be taken after the end of the consultation process, which has been started by the state Education Department.

"Director Education is consulting with schools, various other departments, stakeholders, headmasters, management over the issue. A decision will be taken after the consultation is complete," Sawant told reporters at the State Secretariat.

There is uncertainty in the state over the resumption of schools and other educational institutions in the wake of the pandemic, especially when the state is witnessing a sudden spike in COVID-19 positive cases. Goa currently has 263 active corona cases, according to the Health Department statistics.

A bulk of the active cases has been reported in the Mangor hill area in South Goa's Vasco town, which has been designated as a containment zone.

Sawant also said that top officials, including Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Health Secretary Nila Mohanan and Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh among others were currently on an official visit to the containment zone.

"They have gone to inspect the area and review arrangements in place at the containment zone," Sawant said.

( With inputs from IANS )