After a massive second COVID-19 wave that India faced early in 2021, things seem to be getting better right now. The number of positive cases is consistently declining across the country, with a few peaks and dips in some parts. However, most states are witnessing relief, and life is gradually getting back to usual. Many states have decided to reopen schools in phases after the longest shutdowns ever.
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have already reopened for classes 9 to 12. Some have gone ahead with the decision for primary classes, and others plan to do it in the foreseeable future. Despite the receding Covid cases and strict SOPs in place, attendance is still low because parents are apprehensive about sending their children back as the fear of an impending third wave looms large. Here are the latest state-wise updates on school reopening across different states.
DELHI
Schools in Delhi opened for classes 9-12 on September 1, as students returned amid heavy rains lashing the city. The attendance was reasonably good despite the weather. Children were awaiting the event eagerly following a long hiatus due to the pandemic. But some institutions are still taking a wait-and-watch approach, not calling the children for physical studies until a few more weeks.
UTTAR PRADESH
Uttar Pradesh has been among the forerunners for reopening schools amid the pandemic. It started with offline education for students of Classes 9 to 12 from August 16, followed by reopening for Classes 6 to 8 from August 23. Primary schools and madrasas were opened on September 1, while following Covid protocols. Primary schools have started with two shifts to avoid crowding, but attendance remains significantly thin.
RAJASTHAN
Schools in the state called back the students of classes 9 to 12 on September 1. They have strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place to ensure safety for the staff and students. These include mandates regarding wearing masks and maintaining social distancing according to the Covid-19 guidelines.
MADHYA PRADESH
Schools in Madhya Pradesh recalled students of classes 6 to 12 with 50% capacity from September 1. They have to follow the SOPs issued by the state government to curb the spread of the virus and keep everyone on-campus safe.
TELANGANA
Educational institutions in Telangana resumed physical classes on September 1. But attendance remains low because the fear of the virus prevails. All schools reopened in the state, except residential, tribal welfare, and social welfare schools with hostel facilities. While parents were still apprehensive, a festive atmosphere was witnessed in several institutions as students were excited about resuming classes for the first time in this academic session.
TAMIL NADU
Schools for higher classes from 9 to 12 reopened in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday with stringent Covid-19 protocols in place. While the state government has allowed institutions to run classes till 3.30 p.m, most schools have decided to function only till 1 to 1.30 p.m. There will be small breaks between classes, but the good thing is that students are back on-campus. Schools want to avoid post-lunch sessions to avoid interactions between students during the lunch break.
While there are positive developments on the school-reopening front across the country, the fear of a third wave is still there. Children are yet to receive vaccinations, and it is a matter of concern for parents and the authorities. With a vaccine breakthrough for the younger population being just around the corner, there are hopes that things will get back to usual sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, students have the option to return for offline classes or continue with the online mode.
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