Schools to remain shut; Centre yet to decide timeline

The Ministry of Education has not fixed any timeline yet for reopening of schools as majority of states are not in favour due to the rising coronavirus cases, according to sources.

The Centre is looking at the possibility of starting some classes for senior students from September end or October, but no final decision has been taken yet in this regard, they said.

"No timeline has been fixed yet as the decision will completely depend on the pandemic situation. Barring one union territory, no other state or UT is in favour of reopening schools in near future," a source said.

"Possibility of higher secondary classes in late September is being explored but there has been no final decision. Whenever it is decided, the Centre will only issue an advisory in this regard and states will have to take a call depending on the COVID-19 situation in their districts," the source added.

Schools and education institutes have been closed across the country in view of the coronavirus pandemic since March 16. 

While the government has largely eased restrictions, schools and colleges continue to remain closed.

Last month, the Education Ministry had sent out a letter to states and Union Territories to furnish a feedback from parents of school going children as to when they would be comfortable with reopening of schools — August, September or October 2020.

However according to a survey by LocalCircles,  Only 33 per cent parents support reopening of schools from September 1. Parents were asked if they approve of the reported Government plan of restarting schools from September 1 for Classes 10-12 and for Classes 6-10 after 15 days. In response, 58 per cent said 'no' while only 33 per cent answered 'yes'.