Students can opt for online classes over going to school: What the MHA's guidelines say about schools, colleges reopening

After a long hiatus, many schools in the country are set to reopen. While the number of active COVID cases in the country stands at 940,705, the latest guidelines released by the Ministry of Home Affairs says that students may attend schools with the written consent of parents.

Even though there is a 'go-ahead' from the centre, the states and the Union Territories have the flexibility to make a decision deciding reopenings after October 15. However, the centre stresses on encouraging online education. "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," the guidelines read. The schools are also urged to not enforce compulsory attendance.

"States and UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools and institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view," it reads.

On the other hand, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) of the Ministry of Education will decide the timing of the opening of Colleges/ Higher Education Institutions. The Higher Education Institutions will only be open for research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream, who require laboratory and experimental works.

Other relaxations

Under the new Unlock guidelines, lockdown guidelines will be enforced only in containment zones until October 31. Film theatres can function with 50 per cent seating capacity. Entertainment parks too can open, adhering to the SOPs. At the same time, there is no restriction on inter-state travel. "There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movements," it reads.