Winter closing schools in Himachal to open from tomorrow

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 14

The winter-closing schools in Himachal will reopen from February 15 (tomorrow) after a break of 11 months due to Covid-19 and regular classes for students of classes V to XII would resume.

Earlier, the government had decided to start regular classes for students of class V and Classes VIII to XII in summer closing schools from February 1 but now regular classes for students of classes V to XII will start from Monday (February15) in all schools.

The schools were closed from Mach 16, 2020, in the wake of the pandemic and online teaching for all students from classes I to IV will continue and the academic session 2021-22 will start from April 1, 2021.

The schools have made micro-plans for calling students. Besides changing timings to maintain social distancing, sanitising of classrooms, thermal screening of students will be conducted and crowding at entry and exit points will be avoided.

The principals and heads of institutions have been directed to strictly adhere to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and ensure that students, teachers and other employees wear masks, there is no spitting and hostels are opened only if necessary, said Higher Education director Amarjeet Sharma.

Some of the schools that have a large number of students have opted to call students on alternate days or have double shifts. The students have been advised to follow norms and not discriminate with students having Covid-19 history.

The classes of class V and classes VIII to XII of summer-closing schools have already commenced from February 1 and decision to call students of classes VI and VII also was taken by the government on February 5.

The colleges which also opened from February 8 have been directed to give priority to practicals.

The syllabus of classes X and XII has been curtailed by 30 per cent and pre-board examinations are likely to be conducted by February-end, regular board examinations in March/April.

Most of the schools have finished the syllabus and remedial teaching would be imparted to students whose performance is below average in pre-board examinations.