‘DECISION ON REOPENING OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES ON APRIL 14’

NEW DELHI: The government will take a decision on reopening of schools and colleges on April 14 after reviewing the Coronavirus situation in the country, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said on Sunday.

In an interview to PTI, he said the safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government and that his ministry is prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if educational institutions needed to remain shut beyond April 14, when the ongoing 21-day lockdown is slated to end.

"It is difficult to take a decision at the moment. We will review the situation on April 14 and depending upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for some more time," Pokhriyal said when asked about his Ministry's post-lockdown plan.

"There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America's population.

They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government," he added.

The 21-day nationwide

lockdown ends on April 14. There have been indications from the government that the

lockdown may not be extended. Classes in schools and col

leges were suspended and exams postponed even before the lockdown was announced on March 24, which came into effect from the next day.

There are over 800 universities, 40,000 colleges and 12,000 standalone Higher Educational Institutions (HEIS), besides 1.5

lakh schools in the country. "The classes are already being conducted online using various government platforms

like Swayam and Diksha. The platforms are being widely accessed by students. We are prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if need arises to keep schools, colleges closed beyond April

14. I am regularly reviewing the plan of action being fol

lowed by schools and colleges during the lockdown," the minister said.