Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Aug 03 (KINS): While some states have decided to reopen schools for certain classes, the Jammu and Kashmir Union territory government will take the decision only after assessing the present pandemic situation.
It may be mentioned here that all private and Government educational institutions have been closed till further orders.
One of the top officials here in the LG administration told news agency KINS that the Union territory would be reopening schools only after assessing the COVID-19 situation.
“The decision to open up schools will have to be based on the current spread of COVID-19, vaccination of school teachers and other staff members .We cannot say the pandemic is over. All stakeholders to be taken on board before reopening schools,” the official said wishing not to be named.
He said that a proper procedure will be followed for reopening of schools for secondary and higher secondary classes.
He, however, said that once the government opens schools, the students will be allowed to visit the schools only after getting consent from their parents.
“The department will ensure that all standing SOPs are followed and then only class work will resume,” he added.
It is to mention here that the Government has ordered reopening of Universities, Colleges and Skill Development Centres subject to vaccination status of students and staff and personal attendance of limited staff for administrative purposes by public and private educational institutions.
“Higher educational institutions (which include Universities and Colleges) and Skill Development Centres may be considered for phased reopening for Onsite learning after July 31 subject to vaccination status of students and staff,” the SEC order had said.
It added that the public and private educational institutions have been permitted to seek personal attendance of limited vaccinated staff for administrative purposes.
Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Uttarakhand have already decided to reopen schools for certain classes.
Sources said that it is not just Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Uttarakhand reopening its schools, many states across the country have already begun offline classes for secondary or higher secondary classes.
This pattern is even being seen in colleges. This decision is being taken as COVID-19 cases are on a downtrend. (KINS)