Schools in Maharashtra are likely to reopen from 23 November. The proposal to reopen schools in the has been sent to the state government, said State school education minister Varsha Gaikwad.
Schools in the state have been shut since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maharashtra government's proposal pertains to Classes 9 to 12.
She further said that they have also proposed board exams for classes 10 and 12 should be conducted in May, instead of February or March.
The classes for student will be held either in two sessions or on alternate days. This would help in maintaining social distancing amid the Covid-19 pandemic. We are planning to hold board exams for classes 10 and 12 in May and it is possible only if we start schools immediately after Diwali,” said Gaikwad.
According to the education department, it is trying to conduct 10th and 12th exams in May, because holding exams in monsoon will create problems for students in rural areas.
Gaikwad said schools for classes 1 to 8 would not be opened immediately. “We will begin with older students from class 9 and above in the first phase. For students from classes 1 to 8 online classes will continue as usual. The final decision about opening of schools will be taken by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray,” she said.