The government of India clarifies that no reopening of schools will be permitted for now.
No reopening of schools
Rumors have emerged on social media about an early return to classes by students in India. The post which was uploaded on the social media platform Twitter was found out to be edited and false rumor. A fact check post was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to stop the spread of wrong information.
#FactCheck
Claim: MHA permits all States to open schools.Fact: No such decision taken by MHA. All Educational institutions are still prohibited to open, throughout the country.#FakeNewsAlert#COVID19#IndiaFightsCoronavirus pic.twitter.com/mSWfIDWwNs
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 26, 2020
According to the spokesperson of the MHA, there was no such information that was announced by the department and clarified that all schools and universities will still remain closed until further notice.
Since the closure of schools in India last March 25, no official statement from the government of India about a full reopening of schools in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been extending the duration of the lockdown, which started two months ago. The last extension is set to end on May 31. The government will then access if the lockdown should be extended and for how many days.
Phased manner of reopening classes
In certain zones, the government is willing to allow the lifting of the no reopening of schools mandate. Orange and Green zones in India will undergo a phased manner of returning to normalcy. Some establishments will be allowed to operate, and schools will allow Grades 8 and onwards to gradually return to class.
Education Minister Ramesh Pkhriyal Nsihank is eyeing the month of July as a viable timeline for the reopening of schools.
I am hopeful that the situation will be more normal as July approaches. All we can do is hope and abide by the guidelines given by the health ministry.
There is no timeline for how long the no reopening of schools policy will last. Still, parents and teachers are hoping that when classes are allowed, the COVID situation is under more controlled circumstances.
