Assam: Educational institutions to reopen from November 9; students of classes 6-12 to attend

GUWAHATI:

The Assam government announced its decision to reopen schools and colleges in the state from November 2 by adhering to strict COVID-19 health, hygiene and safety protocols.

According to the standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by the state education department, students of classes 6, 7, 9 and 12 can attend school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students of classes 8, 10 and 11 can attend school on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“There will be two batches for each class. The first batch will come at 8:30 am and stay up to 12:30 am while the second batch will come at 1:30 pm and stay till 4:30 pm. But if in any class the total number of students is less than 20, then a division in the batch will not be required,” the notification stated.

Reportedly, all schools will follow a revised syllabus released by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).

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“Use of face cover and masks by students, teachers, staff and all stakeholders is mandatory. There should be thorough sanitisation of all areas inside the school premises. Working hand washing facilities should be available,” the notification stated.

They have also issued guidelines for reopening higher education institutions in the state. Under standard safety protocols, college authorities will follow a staggered timetable.

Students unable to attend classes in their respective colleges may temporarily attend classes in a college in their locality with prior permission from both institutions.

However, the decision to reopen hostels is still pending.

The education department has also allowed the gradual reopening of government engineering colleges and polytechnics.

“Each institution will follow online, mixed or a blended mode of teaching,” stated a notification issued by the higher education department.