Schools in Punjab to open from today on voluntary basis for Classes 9 to 12

Schools in Punjab to reopen from today for Classes 9 to 12 on voluntary basis. 

Punjab Government has given its nod to reopen the schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis from September 21 onwards to seek guidance from their teachers. The announcement was made by the state government on September 20. The relaxation will be allowed to students living outside high-risk containment zones. Students, however, will have to secure the written consent of their parents or guardians as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on September 8, 2020.

As per the order, the state Home Department has also given detailed instructions to permit skill or entrepreneurship training in national skill training institutes, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), short term training centers registered with the National Skill Development Corporation or State Skill Development Missions or other ministries of the Government of India or state governments.

The activities of the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Developments (NIESBUD), the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and their training providers have also got permission to reopen from today; i.e. September 21, subject to strict adherence of the COVID-19 norms.

Schools and colleges across the country have been kept closed since mid-March, to contain the spread of coronavirus. While most of the economic activities have been allowed by the Centre, educational institutions were kept closed to prevent transmission of the virus among students.

The Punjab government on Saturday allowed the opening of colleges for research scholars and postgraduate students pursuing technical and professional courses requiring experimental work.

Read More:

• Punjab Government permits opening of institutions for PhD students, PG technical courses
• Andhra Pradesh allows Class 9-12 students to visit schools on voluntary basis