Mumbai School Reopening: Schools in Mumbai to reopen from today, Attendance not mandatory

Schools in Mumbai will be reopening for all the classes from today - January 24, 2022, onwards. The schools in the city were closed due to the rising COVID pandemic cases. Maharashtra state School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad on January 20, 2022, has announced the decision to reopen the schools in the state but gave the authority to make the final decision in the hands of the district officials. 

After the announcement was made by the minister, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation released the guidelines for Mumbai School Reopening. As per the guidelines issued, it must be noted that attendance is not mandatory for the students and those who wish to can continue with the online classes.

Maharashtra state minister Aditya Thackrey had mentioned that parents should only send their children to schools if they feel it safe. He further stated that it is not compulsory to send students for offline classes.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope stated that the government has decided to reopen the schools after deliberation and ensuring that children do not suffer in any way. He also insisted on following the COVID protocols and guidelines issued in order to curb the spread of the disease.

Considering the increasing COVID cases, parents are reported to not be willing to send the children for offline classes and per a survey. According to the survey findings, 62 percent of parents were not feeling sure of sending the children to school and they have also expressed their opinions on social media platforms emphasizing on conducting classes in the hybrid mode. According to the BMC guidelines issued, parents are free to take the call on whether to send the children to school or continue with online classes.

Mumbai School Reopening: BMC School Guidelines

• As per the guidelines, it is not mandatory for everyone to attend classes offline. If a parent or a student does not wish to attend offline classes, they can continue with the online class.
• Students are required to submit a  ‘Consent Letter’ from their parents. Schools are also required to ensure that they collect the consent letters from the students before they reopen and those who have not submitted the consent forms can continue with the online classes
• The teaching and non-teaching staff are required to come to school to prepare for the reopening keeping in mind all COVID guidelines. School premises must be disinfected and sanitized at regular intervals.
• The vaccination drive for children must continue and students in schools under the BMC area should be vaccinated mandatory. Schools can also consult the BMC or private health centres for the vaccination drive

COVID cases in Mumbai

As per recent reports issued by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, 2550 new COVID cases have been reported with 13 deaths until Sunday. Approximately 217 patients have recovered from COVID and the daily positivity rate of the city is at 5.54 percent. Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope has informed that 90 percent of eligible beneficiaries have taken the first dose of COVID vaccine while the second dose is 62-63 percent.

Also Read: Delhi School Reopening: 85% Govt School Students Vaccinated, Decision to Reopen Schools Expected Soon, Get Details Here