School Reopening For Class 9, 11 Students: Odisha Minister On Completion of Courses

Bhubaneswar: As schools for Class IX and XI students in Odisha are all set to reopen from tomorrow, State School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash on Sunday reviewed the preparedness of the school authorities.

Dash visited University High School, Vani Vihar in Bhubaneswar and reviewed classroom teaching today. The Minister expressed happiness that more than 50 per cent students were in attendance in the school even on Sunday.

The Minister also reviewed preparations of the school authorities for the commencement of classes for Class IX and XI students and said that teachers are mentally prepared to complete all the courses in 100 days of classroom teaching.

"As classes for the 9th and 11th class students will resume from tomorrow, I have reviewed preparations here. There are 83 students in this school and the authorities have proposed to make three sections as per the SOP," Dash said.

"This is an extraordinary situation wherein courses need to be completed in 100 days. Though there will be pressure for teachers, I have asked them to adjust. They are mentally prepared to adjust and take class accordingly," Dash said.

On the other hand, the Odisha Secondary School Teachers Association (OSSTA) has threatened not to cooperate in the teaching process and take legal route if teachers are not given leave on Sundays.

"The courses will complete as per the schedule because we have already reduced the syllabus. If needed, we are ready to teach for an hour extra every day. We will work from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. However, one day leave on Sunday is highly necessary," said OSSTA general secretary, Prakash Mohanty.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)