The Odisha government’s decision to resume classroom teaching for X and XII students in schools from July 26 has made both students and guardians apprehensive on account of fear of Covid-19 infection as the inoculation drive against the virus is yet to cover school goers.
However, State School and Mass Education Minister Samir Dash feels that vaccination of teachers and staff will not be a problem for the opening of schools.
“Almost all the teachers and staff of schools have been vaccinated. We have requested the Health Department to vaccinate the remaining teachers and school staff on priority basis. The District Education Officers (DEOs) have also been instructed to ensure that all the Covid-19 protocols are strictly followed. I don’t think there will be any problem in opening schools over vaccination issues,” said Dash.
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“We have given students the option of attending schools with the consent of their parents. The headmasters of schools will also obtain consent from guardians of the students to allow them enter the school,” he added.
Education department sources said that the decision to reopen schools and resume physical mode of teaching for Class 10 and 12 students has been taken keeping in mind the problems faced by students in online teaching mode due to poor mobile (internet) connectivity.
The sessions for Class 10 and 12 students will be held from 10 am to 1: 30 pm and there will be no lunch break. The schools will remain closed on Sundays and on all State government holidays.