Punjab government not taken any decision so far to open schools

Chandigarh: Punjab School Education Minister Mr. Vijay Inder Singla, on Wednesday, clarified that their Government has not taken any decision yet regarding the opening of the schools in the state. He added that the education department has given its suggestions to the home department following their letter regarding reopening of schools. The cabinet minister said that final decision regarding reopening of schools will be taken by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh after reviewing all precautions regarding safety of students.

In a press communiqué issued here, Mr. Singla said that in response to the comments on reopening of certain activities in school from October 15, 2020, sought by the Department of Home Affairs & Justice Punjab, the Secretary School Education has apprised about the safety measures to be ensured in view of Covid-19 pandemic. He added that the union government has already issued the instructions regarding reopening of schools and reports were being taken from the states on daily basis.

The Education Minister said that the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs & Justice has been informed about the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which could be considered in case of the opening of the schools in the state such as school could be begin with only the students from classes 9th to 12th for three hours a day, where the students in more numbers, teachers may be called in two shifts of three hours, all the safety measures/sanitization etc. will be adhered to, the minimum distance between students shall be as per the SOP of the Health Department. On an average, there will not be more than 20 students in a section to attend the classes. It was also suggested that two students should not be allowed to sit on the same bench and the minimum distance between the two benches shall be adhered to and other protocols like using sanitizers, wearing mask etc. shall be followed strictly besides the conditions of the MHA.