Gujarat allows schools to reopen after Diwali

Gujarat State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama on Wednesday announced that schools will reopen in the state for classes IX to XII from 23 November, after Diwali. Online education will also continue simultaneously.

The state government will have to make it mandatory for schools and students to comply with the Central government’s SOP. At present, it is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that children do not gather for lunch or recess.

The parents have to fill the consent form and submit it to the school. Classes in schools will have to continue on an Odd-and-Even basis. Three days a week students have to go to schools for academic work.

All hand-washing arrangements will have to be made. Students will be required to wear a mask. Adherence to social distance including prayer etc. will be mandatory.

The Gujarat government wants to extend the academic session after Diwali. Under normal circumstances, the first session starts in June and lasts for 105 days. The session ends with a 21-day Diwali vacation. Usually, the 21-day vacation starts two-three days before Diwali and ends around Devadivali, but this time the schedule has changed due to Corona.

The second session will be 150 to 155 days, as the time wasted in the next session can be compensated.