Odisha government to reopen schools for class 10th, 12th from July 26

In view of the inconvenience caused to students during online classes due to poor network in rural and remote areas, the Odisha government has decided to reopen schools for class X and XII students from July 26. Satyabrata Sahu, Principal Secretary, School and Mass Education, Odisha, said, “We have been able to reach only 40 per cent of the total students through online teaching, while the other 60 per cent are still left behind. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, school students in the state have lost 150 days of classroom teaching.

COVID-19 restrictions, school students in the state have lost 150 days of classroom teaching.
Now, both private and government schools will reopen for class X and XII students from July 26. Classes will run from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. There will be no provision of half leave during this period. He said that the schools would be closed on all Sundays and all holidays.

However, the schools which will be used as examination centers will be reopened later after the completion of the tests, Sahu said.

The government is issuing a detailed SOP for the resumption of classes in compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines. However, it is not mandatory for all students. The secretary said that those who want to attend classes physically can go to the schools.
However, the District Collectors will take a final call on reopening the schools after reviewing the COVID situation in their respective districts.

Besides, Sahu said, the state government is planning to reopen schools for class IX and XI students from August 16 and September 15 respectively.

He further informed that the classes will be conducted from September 15 after completion of admission in Plus-2 courses for the students of class XI.

He said that keeping in view the current pandemic situation, the Odisha government has also decided to adopt a continuous and comprehensive evaluation process so that the evaluation can be done throughout the academic year.