Maharashtra: Schools To Reopen From Std 5 In Rural Areas, Class 8 Onwards In Urban Regions From Oct 4

Schools Reopening in Maharashtra: In wake of improving the COVID-19 situation in the state, the Maharashtra Education Department had sent a proposal to reopen schools.

Representative Photo

New Delhi: The impact of the second COVID wave is gradually reducing in Maharashtra. In view of this, the Maharashtra government has taken a major decision of reopening schools from Class 8th in urban areas and Class 5th in rural areas.

The state government has green-lit the plan to reopen schools in the state from October 4.

The announcement was made by the Maharashtra government after a meeting between CM Uddhav Thackeray and Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad.

Schools are required to follow all COVID-19 protocols while reopening. While making this official announcement, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said that schools in urban areas would reopen for students from Classes 8th to 12th. Schools will open from Classes 5th to 12th in rural areas.

In wake of improving the COVID-19 situation in the state, the Maharashtra Education Department had sent a proposal to reopen schools. After a consultation with the state's COVID-19 task force, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has given his approval to the school reopening plan.

However, the district magistrates would have the right to change the decision looking at the prevailing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. This means that District Collectors would be allowed to close schools if the situation in a particular district deteriorates.

Students would not be forced to attend classes physically. ​​Parents' consent will be mandatory to bring children into classrooms.  According to the Government order, schools would have to follow all COVID-19 protocols with strict adherence, like wearing face masks, social distancing, usage of hand sanitisers, etc.