Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in the state is not appropriate to allow physical classes in schools and colleges. Samant recently held a review meeting with officials of the Savitribai Phule Pune University.

While talking to reporters here after the meeting, he said that the Covid-19 situation in Maharashtra is not normal. “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 added.

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.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 issued new guidelines for reopening of schools, colleges and educational institutions after October 15. The Ministry of Education headed by Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has issued a detailed guideline for the reopening of schools. It stated that a checklist for a safe school environment, as adopted from UNICEF India guideline is provided for schools, parents and students to contain the spread of coronavirus. Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents. There will be flexibility in attendance norms. Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school.

Source: PTI

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