DDMA allows Delhi schools to open for Class X & XII students’ practicals – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has allowed city schools to partially reopen for students of classes X and XII from Monday for practical classes and admission-related work such as guidance and counselling. Schools, however, said they would wait for an order from the Delhi government’s directorate of education.

DDMA issued the order on Sunday stating that “students of classes X to XII are permitted to visit their schools for admission related work, including counselling/guidance and practical activities related to board exams”.

Schools yet to get order from DoE

The authority also allowed health check-ups and referral services situated in schools or conducted from there, to resume.

“Children of all ages may visit such centres accompanied by their parents/guardians,” the order said.

DDMA, however, has permitted these activities in schools subject to strict adherence of guidelines to be issued by the Directorate of Education to ensure that Covid-appropriate protocols are followed and children’s safety is ensured.

In its meeting on Friday, the DDMA had also decided to set up an expert committee of primary education and health department officials, to explore the possibility and prepare a roadmap for the reopening of educational institutions in the city. The order to partially reopen schools for Class X and XII students was issued separately on Sunday.

Schools, however, are not likely to reopen on Monday itself as school authorities said they haven’t received an order from DoE yet.

Ashok Pandey, director, Ahlcon Schools said, “We are yet to receive an order from DoE on the modalities of school reopening. Once we receive these orders, we will decide.”

In January this year, the schools had reopened for students of classes X and XII for practical classes. At that time, the consent of the parents was required. Schools have been totally closed since the start of the second Covid wave in April.

On July 29, the Delhi government had invited suggestions from students, teachers, and parents on the reopening of schools and colleges. Of the responses, 58% said they were in favour of the reopening of educational institutions.

“Private schools welcome the decision taken by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. We all, along with our staff and parents, will together ensure the safety of our students. We look forward to full and positive support from our parents,” said Bharat Arora, general secretary of the Action Committee of Unaided Private Schools.

The DDMA order reiterated that except for the two activities permitted on Sunday for students of Class X and XII, all schools, colleges, coaching institutions, and other educational institutions will remain closed, and online and distance learning shall continue to be permitted and should be encouraged.