The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday decided to reopen schools in a phased manner in the national capital from 1 September for Classes 9-12, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Physical classes for students of Classes 6-8 will also begin from 8 September.
Sharing this information, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that there has been a steady decline in the cases of Covid-19 in Delhi and across the country. In view of that, it has been decided that just like all the commercial activities were re-started in a phased manner, educational activities will also be started in a phased manner.
“Social distancing should be strictly followed and no student will be forced to come to the school. Consent of parents will be essential for students to come. If parents do not permit, then students will not be forced to come, they will not be considered absent either,” said Sisodia.
He further informed that a “blended mode” will be followed in which online and offline classes will be held so that those who are at home do not miss out on their studies.
The Deputy CM also said that in the last one and a half years, the lockdown and closure of educational institutes have significantly affected students’ education. Online studies can never become an alternative to offline studies. Experts also believe that the education that can be provided in schools cannot be provided online at home. Therefore, in the DDMA meeting on Friday, it has been decided that from September 1, educational activities will be started in Delhi following all the protocols related to social distancing and Covid-19.
Soon, the SOP regarding the opening of schools will be issued by the government. The Delhi government is ready to open schools and in preparation for that almost 98% of the teachers and the rest of the teaching staff of schools have at least been vaccinated with the first dose. Also, most of the teachers and staff of private schools have also been vaccinated.
Moreover, colleges, universities and coaching institutes along with schools in the national capital can also be reopened from 1 September, the Deputy CM informed.
Taking to Twitter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who also attended Friday’s DDMA meeting said, “Amidst the decreasing cases of Covid-19, schools are being gradually opened in Delhi with full precaution so that the loss of children’s education can be reduced. We also have to bring life back on track and take care of both the health and education of the children.”
Earlier on 9 August, the Delhi government had partially opened schools for Classes 10-12 to visit their schools for admission-related work including counselling/guidance and practical activities related to board exams.