Rajasthan prepares to reopen schools

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government is preparing to reopen schools in the state, initially with the Class 9-12, amid a decline in Covid-19 cases, a member of the ministerial committee meeting, chaired by health minister Raghu Sharma said on Wednesday. A meeting of the group of ministers, constituted by chief minister Ashok Gehlot, was held on the opening of schools and deciding the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the educational institutions.

In the meeting were Sharma, education minister Govind Singh Dotasra, minister of state for higher education Bhanwar Singh Bhati, minister of state for technical education Dr Subhash Garg and agriculture minister Lalchand Kataria.

A member of the committee said that in the meeting various aspects regarding the opening of educational institutions in the state were discussed in detail. The committee will submit its report to the chief minister in the coming days.

“At present, the final year examinations (college education) are going on, and the process of online admission is being conducted. Detailed guidelines will be issued by the Home Department in the near future regarding the opening of educational institutions,” he said.

He continued that the committee has reached to consensus on recommending the opening of schools but dates haven’t been decided yet. However, possible dates could be August 16 or September 1. The health department has also suggested opening Anganwadis, which will also ensure nutritional meals to children boosting their immune system. In Rajasthan, on Tuesday, only 11 new Covid-19 cases were reported. The number of active cases has also reduced to 197. Rajasthan has become the fifth state with zero infection rate.