Schools and colleges resume post 8 month-gap of Covid-19 pandemic in Karnataka

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Post a gap of more than nine months, the schools and pre-university colleges in Karnataka resumed for the students on Friday with absolute adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines.

One side as the students of class 10 and PUC (class 12) have regular classes to prepare for the upcoming board exams, the students from class 6-9 also came to campuses for the Vidyagama programme, which enables progress in the schooling with continuity.

The students were observed to be following the guidelines, wearing masks at all times, had consent-letters of their parents and entered the classes after thermal check-ups and hand sanitization at the schools and PU colleges. Within the classes also, students maintained social distancing.

Though considering it as Friday and the occasion of New Year’s Eve, the attendance was very less.

While several schools and colleges resisted the move, Education Minister Suresh Kumar said it is important for the rural students as they lack adequate accessibility to online education and are being forced into labour.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said the schools are resuming with the intent of educational progress for the students. He wrote on Twitter, “Happy New Year to everyone. In the interest of educational progress of the students, from today class 10 and 12 will start, also Vidyagama will restart for class 6 to 9 students. All the necessary arrangements have been made for the safety of the students. Compulsorily use masks, maintain social distancing, cleanliness and cooperate with the government.”

Parents out of concern were accompanying children whereas teachers were guiding the students about the safety norms. Classes were thoroughly sanitized prior to starting the classes.

Suresh Kumar went to various schools and PU colleges to inspect the arrangements and consoled the parents saying they need not worry as the safety measures are being followed. He said, “There is scene of celebration and joy at school premises…the worry that is there among some parents will not go easily in a day it will be there, so I’m saying two things, those who still have worries send your children to schools once it is resolved, as it is not compulsory, and those sending to schools don’t worry, precautionary measures are in place.”

Regarding the new UK variant, Kumar added “About the worry around the second wave and UK variant, I have spoken to expert committee members, there is no need for worry, it is not more dangerous than the earlier Covid variant, same precautionary measures will hold good and the vaccines that are getting ready will be able to address it.”

He further mentioned about appointing a vigilance team to monitor the safety guidelines are followed in the schools and colleges or not.

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