Bhubaneswar: There is a likelihood of reopening schools across Odisha in January 2021, said School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash on Thursday.
While talking to reporters, Dash said that in the event a decision on reopening schools in January is arrived at, priority will be given to conducting classes for Class X and XII standards so as to facilitate students appearing the board examinations next year.
Though the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) had given its nod for reopening of schools in December, the School and Mass Education Department decided to take extra precaution in view of the COVID-19 situation.
“That’s why we are gearing up for reopening of schools from January next year,” said Dash.
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According to Dash, except festival holidays, classes will be held even on Saturday and Sundays as there are plans to conduct physical classes for at least 100 days in the State.
“We are hopeful that all schools will reopen in January and already the department will come up with special study materials for students. The study materials will be released by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik,” said Dash.
Dash further stated that the School and Mass Education Department is aware of the fact that a lot of students are in stress. Hence, the study materials will provide much needed relief to the students, the minister said.
“Classes for X and XII students will certainly reopen in January and a decision on reopening and conduct of classes for other standards will be taken after consultations with Odisha government,” Dash added.
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