Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat today announced its decision to reopen schools, colleges and universities across the State in limited manner from November 23.

Sharing the details of this decision taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said, ‘after detailed deliberations with stake holders through range of meetings, the government has taken a final decision that secondary schools, higher secondary schools, colleges and universities will resume teaching in physical presence of students.’

‘Class 9 – 12 in schools will reopen. Post graduate colleges, medical, para medical colleges, final year classes in undergraduate colleges, final year of engineering, all polytechnics and ITIs will also reopen for teaching in physical presence,’ Chudasama said.

Decision pertaining to class 9-12 in schools will impact all boards, all government, grant-in-aid and self finance schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyaklaya, tribal schools and schools that are functional under Social Justice department.

Chudasama said, reopening will be as per the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) issued by the Centre.

He said, odd-even schedule has been suggested to schools. So for particular class, the schools can allot three days in a week.

Chudasama said, decision on reopening of class 1-8 will be taken in future in phased manner.

He said, students will not be subjected to compulsory presence. Written approval of parents or guardians will be required for students to join the classes. Each student will be checked using thermal gun before joining class. Hand wash arrangement, social distancing will need to be maintained.

The government note adds that it has advised school to drop group sessions such as mass prayer, sports on the ground and other group activities.

It further adds that parents will be encouraged to use personal transport to drop and pick up their children. The students using public transport will be provided precautionary guidance by schools. DeshGujarat