No plan yet to resume physical classes: Rajen
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 27 2021: Although there is no plan in motion for reopening the educational institutions in the state which have remained closed since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, a letter has been sent to the Home Department seeking its opinion on the matter, informed Education Minister S Rajen.

Speaking to newspersons at his office chamber in Old Secretariat here Wednesday, Rajen pointed out that educational institutions are remaining closed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in April, 2020.Although there was a brief period of classes being conducted for 2/3 months when cases were low, the same was stopped when the second wave struck the state.

"Owing to the pandemic, students appearing for HSLCE, HSSLCE and Class XI examination were given promotion.

Other states have also not reopened their educational institutions due to the pandemic.

In Manipur's context, although the Covid-19 cases have come down, the numbers of cases continue to fluctuate.

Recently, some private schools in Churachandpur had reopened, which led to some of the students testing positive.

As such, officials of the Education Department visited the school and directed it to remain closed until further orders", he conveyed.

Rajen then said that as only those above 18 years of age are vaccinated, there is possibility of the virus spreading among school going children.

Considering this risk, the government had issued an order restricting the schools in the state from reopening, he added, while observing that the Covid-19 situation has somewhat improved in the state.

"The Education Department restricts the educational institutions from reopening, but the Home Department is the one issuing the Covid-19 guidelines.

Thus, the Home Department needs to give its approval, following which the order for reopening of the institutions could be issued.

The Education Department has already written to the Home Department seeking its opinion on the matter," the minister informed, adding that the educational institutions would reopen after receiving the green light from the Health and Home Departments.

However, for now, there is no plan for reopening, he further said.

Meanwhile, with regard to school fees, it was previously agreed upon that students would have to pay only 50 per cent of the fees.

There have been requests from founders of schools to raise the fee collection rate to 80 per cent, based on the reason that they have to pay full salary to teachers who are tirelessly conducting online classes and also, as per the instruction of the Supreme Court.

As such, any decision on the matter would be taken after proper consultation with student bodies and other organisations concerned, Rajen stated.

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