Schools across the nation have shut their doors to students more than four months ago owing to outbreak of corona virus. Not only exams, but also classroom sessions could be conducted in a smooth manner.

Amidst a talk that schools would likely become refunctional after October 15 in the fifth phase of unlock, Education Ministry guidelines were brought out in connection with reopening of schools.

Sources say, these guidelines have been brought out by Education Ministry in consultation with Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).

As per these Education Ministry guidelines, schools and coaching centres can start functioning again in a phased manner.

However, the final decision in connection with school reopening lies with the respective state governments of administration of Union Territories, say the Education Ministry guidelines

Sources from Education Ministry said states or Union Territories can form their Standard Operating Procedure keeping in view the situation in their respective areas.

Sources from DoSEL said the schools which are permitted to open should follow the guidelines issued by their respective state governments or Union Territory (UT) administration based on SOP issued by DoESL.

Speaking about the Education Ministry guidelines, Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said students can attend the physical classrooms with the prior consent of their parents.

Students who donot desire to go to schools can continue their education online. Schools also have to be flexible with regards to attendance.

Another important point in the Education Ministry guidelines is that the schools must take up extensive disinfection work of classrooms, ground, water tanks, furnitures, washrooms and laboratories on its premises.

Also, entry and exit at schools must be planned in such a way that social distancing is ensured, say Education Ministry guidelines.

The other point in the Education Ministry guidelines is that students, teaching staff and non-teaching staff in schools must wear mask at all times.

The Education Ministry guidelines further mention that schools must collect information about the current health status of all students.

Education Ministry guidelines clearly mention that schools must also have the contact information about healthcare centres and emergency service points that are at their nearest.

While schools resume classes, ICT and online learning must also continue to receive encouragement. Education Ministry guidelines further say schools can follow alternative academic calendar of NCERT.

Education Ministry guidelines also stress the need to follow precautions while serving mid-day meals in schools.

While announcement has been made for reopening of schools, things are likely to show a different picture on the real front.

Education Ministry guidelines have come out in connection with reopening of schools across the country.

However, it looks like it would take some more time for the institutions to become refunctional.

As reopening of schools is in the hands of state governments and Union Territory administration, one has to wait and see as to how actual school reopening scenario would unfold.

T. Shanmugam, a physics teacher for class 12 says the situation is not yet safe and so not all may be ready for school reopening as of now.

The situation is not yet safe and amidst the present scenario it is safe to continue with online education itself, says K. Ram Kumar, also a teacher.

Though guidelines were issued by Education Ministry and central government gave an okay for school reopening, things may differ from state to a state.

Delhi government is said to have decided against bringing back students to school in the present situation.

Also read ‘International team comprising IIT Madras as one of its members has won prize in Waves to Water Prize contest‘

As far as Uttar Pradesh is concerned, state government gave a go-ahead for school refunctioning, however the decision has been left to the district authorities in the state and they will give an approval for restarting of schools based on local COVID-19 situation.

There are various interpretations as of now. Schools could work on alternate days, or once in two days.

If schools have very high enrolments, then they could even consider operating in shifts, so that they can conduct academics and also adhere to safety norms like social distancing.

West Bengal is said to have made a decision to not reopen schools till mid November. Maharashtra also seems to not favour school reopening as of now.

Southern Indian state Tamil Nadu also has refrained from opening of schools. It also cancelled its earlier decision of opening of schools from 1 October.

Sources say, decision to keep schools shut was taken after many parents have refused to send their children to school.

The health and safety of students are of high importance for the state government amidst the present pandemic and no decision has been made with regards to opening of schools.

Another southern Indian state Karnataka also is yet to decide when schools will start operating in the state.
Karnataka Minister for Primary and Secondary Education S. Suresh Kumar said state government has not yet taken any decision on school reopening.

Sources point out that given the current situation in Karnataka, the decision to open schools is not likely to be taken soon. Even Andhra Pradesh also has decided to postpone school reopening till 2 November.

One has to wait and see as to how the situation would unfold as the time moves ahead. A few other sections of parents and students felt time was too early for schools to reopen. We are yet to ensure that atmosphere is safe, says M. Radhakrishnan, a parent of a 12th class student.

‘It is good for the Education Ministry guidelines to come out now as this will offer clarity, however, decision on opening schools should not be done in a hurry.’

Students can continue studying their lessons online till the physical classroom sessions begin, says Radhakrishnan.

Offering more than 100 programs, these are designed to equip students and professionals with the essential skills needed to meet the dynamic demands of the engineering and technology sectors.

Disciplines

With over a thousand learners already certified, these Joint Certification Programs offer Short Term Certification and Executive Certification options, say sources from IITMPTF.

Emerging Technologies like AI, IoT, Digitalisation, Robotics, Cyber Physical Systems, Next Gen Energy Storage, Hydrogen Technology and Industry 4.0, among others, will also be covered.

Information

Information about all 100+ courses and enrolment links can be obtained from the following link: https://lntedutech.com/iitmpravartak-joint-certification-programs/

Uniqueness

Highlighting the unique aspects of this program, Mr. Vasan Vasudeval Srini, Chief Projects Officer, IITMPTF, said, delivered through self-paced, interactive e-learning modules with automated assessment, these programs offer flexibility for aspiring learners, allowing them to enhance their skills at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.

Company

IITMPTF is a Section 8 Company housing the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators and Control Systems.

It is funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and hosted by IIT Madras.

Ø Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses designed by top industry experts.

Ø Prestigious Certification: Recognized by IITM Pravartak and L&T EduTech.

Ø Flexible Learning: Self-paced e-learning accessible anytime, anywhere.

Trending

The trending programs include:

Ø Robotics and Digitalization in Manufacturing

Ø PLM, Value Chain, and Smart Factory in Industry 4.0

Ø Edge AI – AI principles for Edge Computing

Ø Engineering Strategies for Sustainability

Ø Next-Gen Energy Storage – Battery and Hydrogen Technology

Ø CPS Applications for Mechatronics, Healthcare, EV & Robotics

We are committed to transforming the frontiers of knowledge. Our start-up ecosystem is the nurturing space of brilliant professionals, Innovative entrepreneurs, curious young talents, and inquisitive students.

With world-class infrastructure, equipment, and experienced mentors, we have everything to offer for the technology-hungry brains.

IITMPTF is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, and hosted as a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) by IIT Madras.

The NM-ICPS is a comprehensive Mission aimed at complete convergence with all stakeholders by establishing strong linkages between academia, industry, Government, and International Organizations.

Also Read – IIT Guwahati signs great MoU with Danfoss Industries