TN School Reopening News: Education Minister checks for Safety Protocols Prior to schools re-opening

TN School Reopening News: Schools in Tamil Nadu are re-opening for students from Classes IX to XII, 16th November 2020 onwards under the latest guidelines for relaxation of lockdown norms. The State Government had earlier announced for partial re-opening of schools from 1st October 2020 onwards but the order was put on hold.

Opinions on Re-opening TN Schools

As per the reports, the responses received from the parents of the students were mixed, with some welcoming the decision while others expressing concern over the prevalent situation of COVID-19. The Education Minister reportedly had detailed discussions with the senior officials in the ministry at the State Secretariat to work out the norms and guidelines for re-opening of the schools.

Education Minister’s Initiative

On Monday, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan reportedly reviewed all the precautionary measures taken in view of COVID-19 prior to the re-opening of schools. Official sources have informed that the Education Minister directed the officials to ensure that all the schools took appropriate measures so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the students. Among the safety measures, students have been asked to wear masks and schools have been asked to take the necessary steps to thermal scan the students on a regular basis. The classrooms are to be disinfected and the seating arrangements should be made complying with social distancing norms, said the Minister.

Schools’ Initiative

The schools on their part have urged the Stae Government to outline the details of the reduced syllabus for students of the State Board. The teachers said that this will allow them to complete the necessary syllabus on time. A senior principal of a state government-aided school said that it is unsure if all students would attend classes from 16th November 2020 onwards due to the fear of Coronavirus lurking. The principal also said that detailed instructions with regard to precautions to be taken when re-opened are awaited from the Government.