Karnataka to reopen schools from Jan 1

Schools in Karnataka are gearing up to resume regular classes for 10th and 12th standards from January 1 and classes 9 and 11 from January 15 following the Karnataka Technical Advisory Committee's recommendation to reopen schools closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has decided to reopen schools for students of 12th and 10th standard from January 1, 2021.

According to sources, the schools which would reopen shall have to comply with the SOPs issued by the state government on containing the Covid-19 pandemic.

At a meeting held at the Chief Minister's Home Office, it was decided to start these classes, and review the situation for 15 days and then take other classes, sources said.

"The Chief Ministers suggested taking appropriate precautions when reopening the schools. Parents' consent form is compulsory for children to attend school as recommended by the State Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee," CMO letter read.

"In the letter of approval, the student must confirm that there are no symptoms of covid19 infection. Students in residential schools and hostels should submit a corona negative report by within 72 hours of admission," the letter further read.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Education Minister Suresh Kumar said, “The decision was taken on Saturday after a meeting chaired by chief minister B S Yediyurappa in presence of health minister K Sudhakar. The meeting was held in the background of the detailed report submitted by the technical advisory committee of Karnataka health dept.

"The committee has given the necessary guidelines and necessary suggestions. The committee’s report suggests that the classes for students studying in class 10th and 12th can be started from January 1," he said.

"Attendance to school-college is not compulsory. But admission is compulsory. It was decided at the meeting that students could stay home and practice online, Youtube channel and other sources. Caution should be exercised in dis-infection of classrooms in schools and colleges. Students will only have a half-day class. A maximum of 15 students can be in a room. There is no free mid-day meal distribution. Instead, food items will be provided," Minister K Sudhakar said.

"It is mandatory to follow the guidelines issued by the Department of Education regarding precautionary measures in schools. Under vidyagama programme, students must come to school weekly twice," Sudhakar added.