Maharashtra: Physical Attendance Not Mandatory In Schools; Decision In Pune To Be Taken Next Week

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday, January 23, clarified that it will not be mandatory for parents to send their children to schools.

His remarks came just a day before the reopening of schools across state. Maharashtra School Education Minister, Varsha Gaikwad Schools, last week, announced that classes 1 to 12 are to be re-opened from Monday, January 24 with COVID-19 protocols.

“We've not made students' physical presence mandatory in schools. A few districts are opening schools, a few districts are not. Parents may send their wards with permission. Parents are free to make their own decisions in this regard and should send their children to school only if they feel it is safe. We request everyone to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour," Aaditya Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Moreover, this development also came as the state is witnessing a drop in the daily coronavirus cases and the situation was under control.

Earlier, in Mumbai, the local civic body had announced the closure of schools for Classes 1 to 9 till January 31. Though, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) assessment had indicated that the cases of Omicron infection are not on the rise, and it had said that the curve was flattening. It prompted the officials to propose the reopening of schools for physical attendance.

Read More: Mumbai: Schools To Reopen From Monday - Read Guidelines Here

However, in cities like Pune and Aurangabad, schools will remain shut while classes continue in the online mode due to the current COVID-19 situation.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar declared that the as the positivity rate is higher than the state average and is increasing continuously, it has been decided to keep schools closed in Pune district.

Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of Pune, mentioned that a decision on resumption of physical classes at schools in Pune district will be taken next week as COVID-19 cases are on the rise.

Also Read: Maharashtra: Decision On Reopening Colleges Expected Soon