Ministry of Home Affairs has released the Unlock 5.0 Guidelines. Under the revised rules, reopening of schools and colleges in India are allowed from October 15 in a graded manner.
However, the decision to reopen educational institutions remains with the states / union territories.
“For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020, in a graded manner. The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation," the fresh unlocking rules said.
It has been made clear that online and distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
“Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so," it said adding that students may attend regular school or institutions only with the written consent of parents and “attendance must not be enforced".
However, research scholars and post-graduate students in the science and technology stream requiring laboratory and experimental works will be permitted to open from 15 October, 2020. And for this the head of the institution or university will satisfy himself or herself that “there is a genuine requirement of research scholars and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works."
