GUWAHATI: The government will take a decision on reopening of schools and colleges on April 14 after reviewing the coronavirus situation in the country, said Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Sunday, April 5.
In an interview to PTI, Pokhriyal said the safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government and that his ministry is prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if educational institutions needed to remain shut beyond April 14, when the ongoing 21-day lockdown is slated to end.
"It is difficult to take a decision at the moment. We will review the situation on April 14 and depending upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for some more time," said the minister.
"There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America's population. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government," Pokhriyal added.
It is to be mentioned that all educational institutions of Assam have remained shut down since March 16 last after the state government’s order for the same.