As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone adversely, and it is very unfortunate for many students as they start their academic year starting at a screen and try to maintain their concentration. Teachers have a tougher time trying to grab their attention as they come up with new interactive methods to learn while distanced miles away from the children. While most of the parents and students are waiting for schools to reopen and go to school to get a more effective and hands-on education, it seems like the government and the other parents are quite reluctant to do this in the fear of faster and uncontrollable spread of the virus.

Schools all across the country have been closed since mid-March and the sudden rise of coronavirus cases and virus-caused deaths have sent people into a panicked, overwhelmed, and confused state. With more than 07 months gone, many people feel that it is high time to open schools and universities gradually, with phased attendance and 50% of the staff present, along with strict COVID-19 norms which are to be implemented.

What Has The Government Said?

According to the guidelines issued on 5th October by the Union government, the reopening of schools is permitted in phases after October 15, 2020. However, the timings and manner of opening are to be decided by individual states depending on the number of coronavirus cases, transmission rate, and recovery rate.

• 
  

  In Karnataka, institutions have been allowed to open from November 17 & onwards, but many parents and colleges are reluctant to send their wards and conduct classes owing to the case history in the state.

  
  


• 
  

  While Uttar Pradesh has announced a phased reopening, with the final decision left to the districts, Delhi has decided against the reopening of schools and colleges until the end of the month despite the Union Government's motion.

  
  


• 
  

  In West Bengal, the Chief Minister has told that a decision is to be taken only after mid-November.

  
  


• 
  

  All schools to be remained closed in Chattisgarh until further orders.

  
  


• 
  

  The government in Meghalaya has sought the help of feedback from parents to decide on this issue.

  
  


• 
  

  Schools in Puducherry have already opened for class 09-12 from October 08, & onwards.

  
  


• 
  

  Haryana and Gujarat have not yet decided against the reopening of schools from October 15.

  
  


• 
  

  Schools to remain closed in Andhra Pradesh till November 02.

  
  

While many states have opposed the opening of schools, nothing can be said for sure in the current situation.

How Is The New Experience Going To Be?

So, for the states which have decided to open their educational institutions, how are they going to bring about this process?

• 
  

  The Education and Home Ministries have announced that students are not to be forced to attend school, it entirely depends on their parents and well-being.

  
  


• 
  

  Those who do not want to go to school can attend classes virtually.

  
  


• 
  

  Attendance is not taken daily. It could be taken every alternate day or every two days.

  
  


• 
  

  Wearing masks, regular sanitization of school, and social distancing norms will be compulsory.

  
  


• 
  

  School bags for children of Class 01 to 05 are discouraged and all the necessary materials are to be kept in the school itself.

  
  


• 
  

  Aged teachers, staff, children prone to immunity problems, and those living in containment zones are not to be allowed in the school premises.

  
  


• 
  

  According to these guidelines, schools will not conduct assignments for at least two or three weeks after opening.

  
  


• 
  

  Assessments to be taken in the form of exciting roleplays, projects, presentations, journaling, etc. which will ensure creative thinking and prevent any form of cheating to an extent, unlike the paper and pen test format.

  
  

While we all eagerly wait for this pandemic to end, let us remain cautious and try to be safe. Ultimately the decision for the schools to function normally lies with the parents and students.