Reopening schools, colleges not suitable in this situation: Maharashtra Education Minister

The Maharashtra government in its latest lockdown guidelines issued on September 30 said schools, colleges, and other educational and coaching institutions will remain closed in the state.

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant on October 6, 2020, clearly stated that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in the state is not appropriate to allow physical classes in schools and colleges. A review meeting was held by Mr Samant with officials of the Savitribai Phule Pune University.

While talking to reporters after the meeting, the minister said that Maharashtra does not have a normal situation with respect to COVID-19. “Therefore, it is not appropriate to conduct physical classes. We have also directed educational institutions to avoid the collection of development fees from students as there have been no physical classes,” he said.

The Maharashtra government in its latest lockdown guidelines issued on September 30 said schools, colleges, and other educational and coaching institutions will remain closed in the state. In order to bring economic activities back on track, as part of its unlock process, the state government allowed some commercial activities to open. However, adhering to the COVID-19 prevention protocols and following the precautionary released by the health ministry against the COVID-19 spread is mandatory. Meanwhile, the educational institutions of the state are directed to remain closed.

Schools and colleges are shut in the state since the nationwide lockdown was announced in March this year in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Since the closure, many educational institutions are conducting classes and exams online as part of the new academic session. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education released SOP regarding the reopening of the academic institutions on Monday, i.e. October 5, 2020. However, the final decision regarding the reopening of the same lies with the states and union territories after analyzing the situation of the deadly virus in their area.