Elementary schools in Assam from Nursery to reopen from January 1

* Hostels to allow boarders from December 15

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: All government and private elementary schools in the State having Classes from Nursery to VI will reopen on January 1 in a staggered manner.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday morning, State Health & Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the State Government would soon issue the 'Standard Operating Procedures' (SOPs) in this regard.

"The government has taken a decision on the reopening of schools. However, if some schools including the private ones are not willing to reopen and continue with the ongoing online classes as a precautionary measure, we have nothing against it. Parents' consent will be mandatory to send their children to schools. Attendance will not be compulsory and any school cannot force students to attend classes," Sarma said.

In October, Dispur had issued a circular on the reopening of schools for students from Class VII and above, colleges and other institutes from November 2. Even though the educational institutes have reopened, attendance — particularly in the schools in cities and towns — is very thin.

Asserting that the COVID-19 situation in Assam is under control, the Minister said the government's decision on the reopening of schools was in accordance with an order of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He said that prior to taking the decision, the government had consulted various stakeholders, including teachers' associations.

Sarma also said that the hostels at schools, colleges and technical institutes would reopen from December 15 but only for the final-year boarders. "Accommodation at hostels will be arranged by the authorities concerned.

The Minister also announced that 35,000 girl students who had secured first divisions in the Higher Secondary final examination in 2018, 2019 & 2020, would receive scooties.

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