Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated process for resumption of physical classes for Class 9 and 11 students in the State, informed School and Mass Education (S&ME) Minister Samir Dash on Saturday.
Replying to the queries of mediapersons, Dash said S&ME department is holding discussion and consultation on the date of reopening of Class IX and XI.
"The department is holding discussion and consultation to take decision on beginning of Class 9 and 11. The special relief commissioner (SRC) in its notification today has stated that the government can take appropriate decision on the reopening of classes for students from Class 1 to 8. However, we will not think about the opening of primary classes now. As Class 10 and 12 have already opened from January 8, we are discussing on reopening of Class 9 and 11 at this stage."
The Minister said that the final decision on the resumption of classes for Class 9 and 11 will be taken after the first week of February. He said the S&ME department will hold discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and take the final decision.
He added that all the decision in this regard will be taken keeping in view the safety of students and Covid-19 restrictions.
Earlier in the day, the SRC issued unlock guidelines for the month of February and said that School & Mass Education can take decision on the reopening of classes from 9th to 12th standard.
"The Department of School & Mass Education/ ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department/ Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is authorised to take appropriate decision with regard to the date of re-opening of schools and hostels under its control/ superintendence/ supervision in respect of classes from 9th to 12th Standard in a graded manner observing necessary guidelines/ SOP developed for the purpose. The Department shall further develop detailed SoP for the primary schools and decide on opening of such schools with approval of Government," the SRC notification read.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)