Are Schools and Colleges Likely to Open in 2022? A State-Wide Update
With the number of COVID-19 cases reducing, many state governments are preparing to resume physical classes in schools and colleges. The onset of the pandemic led to the closure of all educational institutions last year. As normalcy slowly returns, educational institutions are gearing up to resume physical classes, with varying schedules and health protocols in place.
Delhi: Phased Reopening
Schools in the capital are set to reopen soon in a phased manner. Senior classes will be allowed to be reopened in the first phase, followed by middle and primary classes. Attendance is not mandatory, and online classes will continue simultaneously. The final decision regarding the date is yet to be announced.
Gujarat: Reopening for Classes 6-8
The state government has decided to reopen schools for students of classes 6 to 8 from September 2. Those who wish to attend offline classes will have to bring a consent letter from their parents. Classes will be conducted following all COVID-19 protocols. Further online classes will continue.
Uttar Pradesh: Hybrid Model Resumption
Uttar Pradesh’s Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has announced to resume classes for undergraduate and postgraduate final-year students in a hybrid offline and online mode from September 1 onwards. Other institutions of UP are also likely to resume classes soon. In the case of schools, classes 9 to 12 have reopened offline classes on August 16 in two shifts and have resumed classes 6 to 8 from August 24. It also plans to begin classes 1 to 5 from September 1.
Uttarakhand: Reopening with SOPs
Schools in Uttarakhand have already reopened for students of classes 6 to 12 from August 1. The decision has come as the number of COVID-19 cases has reduced. It has also issued SOPs and guidelines to be followed by institutions to ensure the safety of students.
Rajasthan: Reopening with Limited Capacity
Looking to balance safety and academic continuity, the Rajasthan government has announced to reopen schools for classes 9 to 12 as well as colleges, universities, and coaching institutes from September 1. Only 50 percent of students will be allowed to attend classes in each session to maintain COVID-19 protocols.
Karnataka: Uncertainty Over College Reopening
The state has already resumed pre-university classes from August 23 onwards. However, uncertainty still prevails over the reopening of colleges, with the state government likely to take a decision soon.
Haryana: Practice Classes and Uncertainty
Schools in Haryana have already reopened for doubt-clearing practical classes and exams for classes 9 to 12 from July onwards. There is no update on the reopening of colleges as of now.
Tripura: Reopening with Guidelines
All general degree colleges, technical, and professional colleges in Tripura will be reopening from August 25 onwards with strict maintenance of guidelines to ensure safety.
Telangana: Reopening from September 1
Reopening all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, has been directed by the Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from September 1 onwards. Offline classes are not mandatory, and online classes will continue simultaneously.
State-Specific Reopening Measures
Some of the states, like Punjab, are already reopening the colleges for those students who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Others are planning to reopen colleges and universities with limited capacity to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
Meanwhile, West Bengal's chief minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that schools and colleges in the state might re-open after the Durga Puja vacation.
As these states move forward with their reopening plans, it is crucial to maintain all safety protocols to ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy. Continuous monitoring of COVID-19 cases and adjustments to health guidelines will play a significant role in this process.