COVID-19 Scare: Gujarat government against reopening schools from September 21

The state minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama on Wednesday, i.e. September 16, announced that schools will not be reopened in the state due to the constantly rising novel coronavirus cases in the state.

Considering the ongoing pandemic situation, the Gujarat government decided against reopening schools from September 21. The state minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama on Wednesday, i.e. September 16, announced that schools will not be reopened in the state due to the constantly rising novel coronavirus cases in the state. The education minister stated that the state government took the decision “in the interest of students” during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar.

Talking to the media regarding the SOP and guidelines released by the centre, Chudasama told reporters that while announcing the “Unlock-4” guidelines earlier this month, the Centre clarified that the final call to reopen schools from September 21 for Classes 9 to 12 will be taken by respective states. According to the Centre’s SOPs, students can visit schools to take guidance from teachers from September 21 with their parents’ permission, he said. The minister further stated, “The Centre had clarified that it’s not compulsory for states to implement these SOPs from September 21. There is a risk of transmission of the virus if students gather at one place. It is not advisable for students to visit schools in the present situation."

Hence, the state government decided not to reopen schools from September 21 and appropriate decision will be taken once the situation improves, he said, adding that online education will continue in the state.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma also informed that there are very bleak chances of the state government to take the decision of partial reopening of schools from September 21 as the number of coronavirus cases in the state are constantly rising. 

Read More:

• IIT Kharagpur researchers develop AI-based system to detect Arsenic Pollution in drinking water
• Rajya Sabha gives nod for Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill