Schools in Odisha may not reopen anytime soon

BHUBANESWAR, OCT. 30: Odisha education minister Sameer Ranjan Dash on Friday said no decision had been taken over reopening of the schools after the Diwali holiday.

“There is a feeling among the parents and guardians in Odisha that schools and other educational institutions need to reopen since the results of the matriculation examinations have been announced and the delay in the current academic session. However, no decision on reopening of the school has been taken as yet. As soon as the government takes a decision on school reopening, we would immediately inform the people,” Mr Dash said.

Since Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier announced the closure of schools till Durga Puja vacation, parents and guardians believe that the government might actively consider reopening the schools and educational institutes for resumption of studies in the greater interest of the students.

Besides, the improvement in Covid-19 situation has further strengthened the belief of school reopening.

“The state government is aware of all developments regarding Covid-19 situations and hence it is actively considering all proposals with regard to reopening of schools,”

The minister clarified that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) is seized with the matter and it would take the appropriate decision soon.

He added that the state school and mass education department was ready and has already taken steps to make the infrastructure clean in educational institutions and schools as like the pre-COVID situation.

“Our department is fully ready and will accept whatever decision is taken by the CMO on the reopening of schools,” he observed.