PANAJI
For the first time in 18 months, students of classes IX to XII will likely have the opportunity to get back to school, physically.
The State’s Task Force on Covid-19 which met on Saturday has reportedly opined that it is conducive to begin classes in the offline (physical) mode from October in High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools.
However, a final call on when (schedule) and how to start the physical classes and what standard operating procedures to stipulate for school managements to strictly follow is expected to be taken next week when the State’s Task Force meets again on September 24.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, who is a member of the Task Force, told the media that classes for students in standards IX to XII may start from October 4.
He said, the Covid cases in Goa are under control and the Task force on Covid will meet again on September 24 to decide the dates for starting classes in the physical mode.
Salkar said the positivity rate of the State consistently staying below the 2.5 percent mark was one of the principal reasons that prompted the Task Force to come to the consensus that physical classes can commence.
Recently, UNICEF India had begun lobbying with governments to reopen schools as early as possible warning of a “generational catastrophe”.
“Our message is clear: Governments must prioritize the safe reopening of schools to avoid generational catastrophe. #ForEveryChild, education,” UNICEF India had said.
Some Indian States, including Delhi and Telangana, have already begun sending children back to schools.
Schools in Goa are currently conducting all academic work again in the online mode like last year.
