Maharashtra schools to reopen  for classes for standards 9, 10 in schools located in non-red zone areas and junior college for class 12 from July 1, the state government said on Monday. The school will reopen for classes 6 to 8 from August.

The decision to reopen schools in Maharashtra was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray attended by School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad and other officials. A circular issued on Monday stated that “schools not located in the red zone can commence classes of Standard 9, 10 and 12 from July 1” while “classes of 6th to 8th standards would begin from August”.

“Though in some areas schools could not be opened, the process of teaching cannot be stopped. The use of digital technology to reach out with students should be adopted,” it said.

“Classes of Standard 1 and 2 are exempted from online teaching. However, for remaining standards certain hours per week have been defined by the government. We are trying to use All India Radio (AIR) network as well to reach out to students with the curriculum,” Gaikwad said. Some of the classes can be broadcast, she added. However, some teachers’ and principals’ unions have demanded that all school in the state open from August.

Meanwhile, the state education department has announced the complete ban on online teaching till Class II for schools across all boards. But several stakeholders and educationists have urged the government to reconsider the decision as they believe children will lose out on the bond with teachers and classmates. They have asked for at least half an hour of online interaction between the students, teachers and classmates everyday. The government had said students of Classes I and II can view educational television programmes.

Source: PTI

Also read: Maharashtra: Fake certificates racket to corner PG medical seats