Delhi government has asked all the schools in the state to remain closed till October 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, the Delhi schools closure was extended by the state government till October 5, 2020, though the Centre had permitted calling students of classes 9 to 12 to schools on a voluntary basis from September 21. Also read: Unlock 5.0: Cinema halls, multiplexes to open with 50% capacity from October 15, states to decide on schools,
“During this COVID-19 crisis, it would not be appropriate to take any risk regarding children’s health. Therefore, the Delhi government has decided to continue the closure of schools till 31 October. During this period, online education will continue in all schools,” a Delhi government official said while talking to media.
An official at the Deputy Chief Minister’s office told PTI that, “The Directorate of Education (DoE) has been directed to extend the ongoing closure of schools till Oct 31. Formal orders to this effect will be issued by DoE tomorrow.”
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also holds the education portfolio.
Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shut down as part of measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
On March 25, the central government announced a nationwide lockdown to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.
As per the latest unlock guidelines, schools, colleges and other educational institutions can reopen outside containment zones after October 15. However, the decision on whether to reopen educational institutions has been left with states and union territories.
As per Unlock 5, schools and colleges can reopen after October 15 in a graded manner across the country, but the decision on reopening of schools and coaching institutes should be taken by states in consultation with the respective schools/institution management, based on their assessment of the situation.
As per the previous report, the Education Department was supposed to conduct a meeting on Thursday to discuss the Unlock 5 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority would take the call in notifying the relaxation order by the central government guidelines in the state. Earlier, a senior official from the Deputy Chief Minister’s office while speaking to HT had said, “We had announced for the closure of schools till October 5 in the capital. This gives us time to go through the guidelines, consult stakeholders, and take the decision on the reopening of schools in the national Capital. We will hold a meeting on Thursday.”
The decision to close down schools till October 5 was announced by the Delhi government on September 19. As per the order then issued by the Directorate of Education, all government and private schools will remain closed for all students till October 5. However, online teaching and learning activities will continue as usual.
