VI, VII may restart after Diwali holidays

BHUBANESWAR: The state government is planning to start physical classes for Class VI and VII after the Diwali holidays, said school and mass education minister Samir Ranjan Dash. So far, the government has started physical classes for Class VIII to XII in phases. But many parents are reluctant to send their children to schools before they are vaccinated.
“We are planning to resume physical classes for junior students in a phased manner. First the students of VI and VII will be allowed to attend classes following Covid guidelines. If everything goes well, then we will reopen classes for students of Classes I to V,” said Dash.
The minister said as per the government’s standard operating procedure (SOP) physical classes for Class VIII to XII are going on smoothly in the state. The same SOP will be followed for students of class VI and VII too. “It is very difficult to explain about social distancing to students of Class I and II. Since the Covid cases have gone down substantially, we are hopeful that it would be safe for children to come to school as staying at home for a longer period has an adverse impact on children,” Dash added. The minister, however, expressed hope that schools for all classes will reopen by New Year.
Bratati Mohanty, the mother of two kids in primary classes said, “I am not sure whether I would send my kids to school before they are vaccinated. Because it will be really difficult to ensure that children follow rules like social distancing, wearing masks and not sharing things with each other”.
Some parents also expressed concern. “Doctors are still warning about violation of Covid norms and no one is sure about what will happen next. But it is equally important for children to go out and attend classes as staying at home has affected their mental and physical growth. So we are keeping our fingers crossed”, said Jogamaya Swain, a parent.

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