Odisha Govt Revises Guidelines on Reopening of Schools

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has revised its guidelines regarding the reopening of schools.

As per the revised order issued by the Office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the Department of School & Mass Education can take appropriate decision with regard to the date of re-opening of schools under its control/ superintendence/ supervision in respect of classes from 9th to 12th Standard, in a graded manner, after November 15,2020 in consultation with relevant stakeholders and issue necessary guidelines/ SOP.

“All academic institutions will remain closed till November 30, 2020. However, the Department of School & Mass Education may take appropriate decision with regard to the date of re-opening of schools under its control/ superintendence/ superuision in respect of classes from 9th to 12th Standard, in a graded manner, after November 15,2020 in consultation with relevant stakeholders and issue necessary guidelines/ SOP”, the order reads.

Notwithstanding closure of academic institutions, the followings will be permitted:

a. Conduct of examinations (academic, competitive and entrance tests), evaluation and other administrative activities.
b. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

c. School & Mass Education Depaftment/ Higher Education Department may permit teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools for online teaching/ tele-counselling and related work, in areas outside the Containment Zones only as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Education/ Health & Famiiy Welfare.

d. Higher Education Institutions will be permitted to open only for research scholars (Ph.D.) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental work.

e. All training activities including skill and professional development.