Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has issued a statement saying that the final decision with regards to reopening of schools in the state would be taken by local bodies after assessing the pandemic situation. The clarification from School Education Minister comes following BMC’s order which announced closure of schools in Mumbai until 31st December, contrary to State Government’s announcement of school reopening from 23rd November.
The state government empowering local bodies, Gaikwad said that the final decision about reopening of schools across Maharashtra will be taken by respective local bodies. She also added that the in the SOPs and Guidelines released earlier, the state government had asked local authorities to co-ordinate efforts for school reopening by connecting with the parents and teachers.
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Moreover, local bodies are better informed about local situation with regards to pandemic, therefore they would be right agency to take a final call about school reopening in a particular district or zone. In line with this, announcement, BMC i.e. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has decided to close down schools in Mumbai until 31st December.
Also written consent from parents is necessary for children regarding attendance. As per School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad, only one child will be allowed to sit on a single bench and classes will be held on alternate days. Another important step to ensure safety of the teachers is that all teachers will have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. Testing of teachers is to be completed by 22nd Nov – Sunday, before the reopening of schools.
