It’s back to school for classes 6 to 8

Schools in GB Nagar and Ghaziabad to reopen from Feb 10; students of classes 1-5 to return from Mar 1

NOIDA: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed for the reopening of all government and private schools in the state, including in Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts, from February 10 for students of classes 6 to 8. For classes 1 to 5, schools will reopen from March 1, the order said.

However, the detailed standard operating procedures (SOPS) about the number of students allowed to attend would be issued later by the education department, officials said.

There are a total of more than 660 government schools and over 330 private schools in both districts combined.

Gautam Budh Nagar district’s basic education officer (BSA) Sanjay Upadhyay said that in light of the order, it will be compulsory for all private and government schools to start regular classes for the students of class 6 to 8, from February 10.

“The decision to reopen schools has been taken after undertaking a complete evaluation of the situation. The schools are expected to follow all SOPS set before and after reopening. As nothing clear has been stated in the order regarding the permissible limit of students in their classes, we are waiting for the detailed instructions from the state education department about the SOPS,” he said.

BB Chaudhary, BSA, Ghaziabad, said the order will pave the way for the opening of 455 government schools, besides others run by other education boards.

“The schools have been shut since March 2020. We have received the order for their opening. It is likely that the decision has been taken up in wake of decline in Covi-19 cases,” he added.

Kamini Bhasin, the principal of DPS Noida, said that the school is always ready to welcome its students.

“However, we’ll first seek parents’ views in this connection. If they are willing to send their children to the campus, we’ll certainly start regular classes for the students of class 6 to 8, and all safety protocols will certainly be followed,” she said.

Echoing similar views, Renu Singh, the principal of Amity school (Noida), said the school is ready to begin regular classes.

“Now, the onus lies on the parents. The school administration can merely try to convince them about the safety of their children as we have been following all precautions against Covid-19. We’ll soon hold a meeting with the parents in this connection and if they agree to send their wards to the campus, the school will certainly start regular classes for class 6 to 8,” she said.

On the other hand, Yatendra Kasana, the president of Noida parents’ association, said that the recent government order has been taken in haste.

“It appears that the state government has paved the way for some interest groups to make money, with this order. Similar orders were issued to reopen schools for classes 9 to 12 on October 19 last year, but less than 25% parents have so far been sending their children to school, under the present scenario. We are unable to understand what is wrong in giving classes online to students, instead of risking their lives,” he said.

Kasana further said that if schools impose anything on students and parents, the association will protest.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Board practical examinations for 2021 started from Wednesday. The practical examinations will be conducted in two phases this year. The second phase will begin from February 13. The theory examinations are scheduled to be conducted in April and May.

w