On Tuesday, September 8, the ministry of health and family welfare issued detailed guidelines for reopening of schools for students of classes 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis starting September 21.
The coronavirus-induced lockdown, which has been going on for the last four to five months, had brought schools, railways and other important institutions to a standstill. However, various services are resuming operations slowly. The students will be allowed to go to school in order to seek guidance from their teachers, however, will also require a letter of parental permission.
Even though the Center has given permission for 9th to 12th class students to resume school, it is unclear as of now as to how many states will accept the decision. The states of Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have shown readiness to start schools. However, in Maharashtra, the decision is in the hands of the state government. Therefore, it is not clear whether schools will resume in Maharashtra or not.
Moreover, it is mandatory for the schools to follow the rules mentioned below.
Furthermore, the ministry has suggested that rather than closed classrooms, the schools should utilise open spaces outdoors for student-teacher interaction if the weather allows. Mess and canteens inside the schools are to remain closed. Moreover, there would be no assembly, sports or events which could lead to overcrowding, risking the spread of the disease.