Odisha Issues SOP For Reopening Of Schools For Std 1 To 5 Students; Check Details

The Odisha government on Tuesday released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will be followed during the resumption of physical mode of teaching in primary schools across the State.

The SOP was released hours after School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash made an announcement for the reopening of the classes from standard 1 to 5 earlier today.

As per the SOP, online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall continue. Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attending school, they may be permitted to do so.

The students may attend schools/ institutions in consultation with their parents/guardians. Attendance must not be enforced, the guidelines stated.

“The district Collectors will have the final authority to take decision in regard to the time and method of school reopening in exceptional circumstances for all the schools in the district. All the district education officers and others will visit all the schools before the reopening and ensure school premises have been cleaned and classroom bench and desk have been sanitised,” the SOP read.

Development of a calendar of teaching and permissible activities inside schools

- Every school must determine how to run the school basing on the number of students and number and size of class rooms available. Maximum 20-25 students (depending upon classroom size) should be allowed to sit in a classroom to ensure safe distancing among students.

- For schools with an adequate number of classrooms, all students can be asked to come on a daily basis.

- School timings as mentioned in the order should be followed depending on categories of schools mentioned in the table.

- Recess/Break should be staggered for different classes to ensure there is no overcrowding at common spaces and toilets.

- Students should be encouraged to bring healthy and nutritious food from home and should be advised not to share it with fellow students.

- Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to crowding are prohibited.

- No outside vendor should be allowed to sell any eatables inside the school premises or within100 meters from the entry gate/point.

- Syllabus for all classes, as revised and communicated by the Govt. should start from the beginning.