New Delhi: After nearly 1.5 years, the schools in the national capital resumed their offline classes for classes 9-12 on Tuesday, September 1. While strict protocols have been laid down to keep the children and the teachers safe from Covid, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said that the AAP government is monitoring the situation and if there will be a Covid spread, immediate actions will be taken.
Speaking to ANI, Sisodia said, "If there is any risk of COVID19 spread in any school, it will take 30 minutes to close it. School will be shut immediately".
Sisodia who is also the education minister of Delhi further said that schools have been reopened after consulting with experts & parents. Parents & teachers are positive about it. It's up to students to study online or offline as there's no restriction. Online classes can never substitute for offline classes.
Earlier in the day, Sisodia tweeted that Delhi schools, teachers, and students are ready and excited to be back. While the number of cases in the country are increasing, there are a few inhibitions still. Rains in Delhi also dampened the mood today as students failed to reach the schools. But the spirits are high.
Speaking on the reopening, Manish Sisodia shared that all preparations are in place. “Schools are completely ready. Teachers are ready and the government has taken all necessary measures to reopen the schools. The attendance is a little less today due to the rains in the capital but the teachers and students are very excited that the schools have opened,” he says.
Schools for classes 9-12, colleges, and coaching institutions reopened in Delhi following the Covid protocols. However, it is not compulsory for students to attend physical classes. Online learning will continue for those who opt out. Those who choose offline classes will have to get the permission of their parents/ guardians.
Only 50 per cent students per class, staggered lunch breaks, mandatory thermal screening, alternate seating, a quarantine room — these are some of the guidelines that schools and colleges in Delhi will have to follow.