Schools Reopened Across India: State-Wise Rules, Guidelines For 14 States On Classes, Safety, Hygiene

On September 9, we presented a detailed article containing the standard operating procedure (SOP) released by the Health Ministry, which contained all the instructions and precautions for partial reopening of schools for students from 9th to 12th grades, set to begin from September 21, 2020.

You can find the article here.

So yesterday, Sept 21, after approximately 6 months, several states across the country welcomed the move to partially open the schools. 

Let us take you through the necessary bits and details of each state which has allowed/postponed the partial reopening of, under Unlock 4.0.

Jammu & Kashmir

All schools here, government-run or private, have reopened schools on a partial basis, in the Jammu region.

Students of only classes 9-12 are allowed, that too on a voluntary basis, which means attendance is not at all compulsory.

Also, students are allowed only after they submit a written consent from their parents. Additionally, only 50% faculty strength would be allowed at the school campuses.

Himachal Pradesh

As per the decision taken by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the HP Government has decided to reopen schools for Classes 9-12, on a voluntary basis, with a written consent from their parents.

Only 50% of the teaching and non-teaching staff will be allowed on the school campus and students will be allowed to visit schools for taking guidance from their teachers.

Punjab

In Punjab too, educational institutions like schools, colleges and coaching centres will be opened only for students of Classes 9-12, on a voluntary basis and with a written consent from their parents.

Additionally, the Punjab Government has also allowed technical/educational institutions to open only for PhD scholars and postgraduate students, pursuing technical and professional courses which require experimental work.

Delhi

Initially when the circular for partial reopening of schools had been released, the Delhi Government agreed to follow the suit.

However, with coronavirus cases rising in the national capital, it has now refused to reopen schools until October 5. There shall be no partial reopening.

Schools can call “staff as per requirement for smooth conduct of online classes or any other work”, according to the Directorate of Education (DoE).

Uttarakhand

The State Government has declared to not reopen any schools yet, due to a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

Uttar Pradesh

Here as well, educational institutions shall not resume from Sept 21 (as scheduled), as decided by the Department of Secondary Education.

This is due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

Haryana

In Haryana, the Directorate of School Education has decided to partially reopen schools from September 21 for students from Classes 9-12, provided all district education officers ensure that each instruction on the SOP released by the Health Ministry is diligently followed.

The department sent a letter to all district education officers to make sure teachers receive a Covid-19 test and download the Aarogya Setu app on their phones.

Again, attendance is not compulsory and the said students will be allowed only with a written consent from their parents.

Gujarat

Due to increasing cases of Covid-19 in the state, the Gujarat Govt has decided to not reopen schools from Sept 21.

In a cabinet meeting with the state CM Vijay Rupani, this decision was taken in the best interest of students.

Assam

Schools will open for students from Classes 9-12 from the set date onwards, on a voluntary basis.

Schools must compulsorily follow all the instructions mentioned in the SOP issued by the Health Ministry, keeping in mind the social distancing norms.

Nagaland

Schools will be allowed to open on a voluntary basis, for students from Classes 9-12, seeking guidance from their teachers.

According to Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, only upto 50% teaching and non-teaching staff will be allowed on the campus, provided they live in non-containment zones.

Goa

According to Goa CM Pramod Sawant, schools will not reopen for higher classes, especially Classes 10th and 12th and a following decision will be announced only after consultations with concerned experts and the pandemic situation.

Andhra Pradesh

Schools were opened in the state, starting yesterday for students of Classes 9 and 10.

Their attendance shall not be compulsory and only those students will be allowed on the campus, who submit a written consent from their parents.

Their doubts will be addressed and cleared in the school and then they shall be sent home.

Tamil Nadu

The State Government has stripped off ‘shift-based’ classes and have announced simultaneous classes to be conducted in schools, whenever schools reopen in the state.

The state education minister K A Sengottaiyan has hinted that once the pandemic situation is brought under control, the state shall look forward to simultaneously open schools and not in a phased manner, due to inadequate infrastructure, as reported by PTI.

Karnataka

The Karnataka government too initially allowed schools to reopen for students in classes 9-12, from September 21.

However, due to the rise in Covid cases, the state government has halted the move for partial reopening of schools or colleges.

You can read the complete 5-paged SOP issued by the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare here.