Ernakulam: Detailed action plan put in place for school reopening – Times of India

KOCHI: The district administration gears up for school reopening by taking all necessary measures through the coordination of various departments. Meetings are being held among the officials of education, transport, revenue, local self-government, police and health departments to ensure all preparations for the smooth and safe conduct of the classes from November 1.

The district panchayat president and district collector are coordinating the meetings with the help of education department. A campaign named Akannirikkam Chernu Padikkam has been launched on Monday. A detailed action plan for the campaign has been formulated giving specific directives and roles to all departments. The education department also arranges counselling for parents and students, who have been raising various concerns, between October 25 and 31.

Deputy director education, Ernakulam, Honey J Alexander said that the campaign has been launched at civic body level across the district and the main focus is to get the infrastructure ready for classes. By Friday, all schools have to be ready by completing the cleaning and disinfection works. Also, schools have to get the fit certificates by then. Specific teams have been formed to do inspection in all the 994 schools under the general education department and submit a report between Thursday and Friday. Moreover, civic body officials will be carrying out surprise visits to check the arrangements.
“The district panchayat will give Rs 10,000 per school for the cleaning works. Also, the grants under Samagra Shiksha Kerala, ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 40,000, will be allotted to the schools to make necessary arrangements. Moreover, all schools will get funding under Suchitwa Mission too for disinfection and other works. As midday meal will be started, each school will be given Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 to buy utensils, plastic buckets, soaps, hand sanitizers, etc. to ensure hygiene while preparing and distributing food,” Alexander said.

The motor vehicles department (MVD) has started the measure to ensure the fitness of school buses. The maintenance and repair works of buses would be completed with the help of public support too. Also, drivers and cleaners are being given awareness class by MVD officials. To ensure fare concession for students in private buses, MVD would give notices to bus owner associations.

All schools will have special teams to monitor Covid protocols and make emergency responses in the case of any eventuality.