Jammu and Kashmir to reopen schools, colleges with restricted capacity

Meanwhile, the order has also permitted coaching centres for civil services or engineering or NEET examinations to open with limited in-person teaching for fully vaccinated staff and students.

J&K School, College Reopening: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on September 5, 2021, decided to reopen higher educational institutions and schools for students of Classes 10 and 12. The reopening will take place following certain conditions against COVID-19 spread. Chief Secretary A K Mehta took the decision regarding the reopening of schools in a meeting. During the meeting, the authority also decided to retain most of the COVID-19 guidelines, including a night curfew. In order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and further prevent the same, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on April 18 ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including universities and colleges, until further orders. Various media reports suggest that after reviewing the pandemic situation in the area, the chairperson of the State Executive Committee (SEC) said that Class 12 students can be permitted to attend schools. However, the attendance must not exceed 50 5 of the capacity on a given day.

"Consent shall be obtained from the parents of all students who are willing to attend the school. The school premises should be thoroughly sanitised, proper screening regarding vaccination should be done on the school gate. "If any student or teacher or other school staff shows symptoms of cough, cold, or fever, they will not be allowed to enter the school. The head of the school must ensure that the guidelines related to social distancing and COVID-19 protocols are strictly followed,” the order said, reported NDTV.

The Deputy Commissioners can allow in-person classes for students of Class 10 following all protocols. "The schools, except for relaxations as provided for students of 12th and 10th classes, shall continue to remain closed for on-site/in-person teaching,” the order said.

Meanwhile, the order has also permitted coaching centres for civil services or engineering or NEET examinations to open with limited in-person teaching for fully vaccinated staff and students. "All other coaching centres shall continue to remain closed for onsite/in-person teaching,” the order said. Meanwhile, it said the higher educational institutions would be permitted to commence limited in-person teaching subject to 100 per cent vaccination of staff and students and specific permission of the Deputy Commissioners.

Read More:

• Jamia Hamdard to commence offline classes for final year students
• JNU Reopening: Jawaharlal Nehru University reopens today in phased manner