Government has still not considered reopening classes 1-5: Karnataka CM; guidelines to be issued again to restrict organising large-scale events

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the government has still not considered reopening schools for classes 1 to 5, and guidelines will be issued once again to restrict organising large-scale events and rallies, in view of violation of COVID-19 protocols.

"No, we have not considered it yet. We will see how things will function with class 6,7 and 8, and based on that we will take further decisions," Bommai told reporters in response to a question on reopening school for classes 1-5.

The government has already allowed reopening of schools for students from class 9 to 12 since August 23, and class 6,7 and 8 will reopen from September 6.

To a question about large-scale events, rallies linked to political parties taking place despite restrictions, Bommai said, "we are taking all these things seriously, as few such events have taken place, we will once again announce guidelines for such events." Several incidents of events or meetings by political parties, including by the ruling BJP which organised "Jan Ashirwad Yatras" across the state, has witnessed a large-scale gathering of people, in violation of COVID-19 protocols, and they have come under intense criticism.

Further, noting that the Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is visiting the state in the wake of recent floods and landslides, the Chief Minister expressed confidence about getting funds as per the state government's demand, under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms.

"I will be holding a preliminary meeting with them (IMCT) along with Ministers and officials today and will share all information and reports, and after their visit to affected regions another round of meeting will be held. Our officials will also be travelling with them," he added.