Schools to reopen in Jammu from Feb 1, Kashmir to wait till winter vacations are over

Srinagar:  Decks have been cleared for the reopening of the schools in Jammu and Kashmir after the prolonged Covid lockdown.

In an order issued by the school education department, schools in the summer zone of the Jammu division will reopen for classes IX to XII from February 1. 

Schools in Kashmir division for class IX to XII will reopen as per schedule after the winter vacation. Schools in Kashmir are closed for winter vacation till February 28

“In case of elementary classes, teachers shall attend schools from February 1 for preparation. Students should physically attend classes from February 8,” said an order issued by BK Singh, administrative secretary to the government.

However, standard operating procedures shall have to be followed in letter and spirit as per the suggestions of the district disaster management authorities.

“For the ownership of the initiative, a local committee needs to be framed comprising of parents, VEC members, SMC members, and other prominent persons from the habitation for monitoring and support of the school. The students can sit almost two meters apart from each other. In case of non-availability of such space, staggered schedule/shift timings can be an option,” he said.

Wearing masks have been made mandatory for the students and teachers. “All students and teachers would wear masks. Hand washing points with proper soap should be made available for the students and teachers. Everybody should wash hands frequently wherever possible. In case of absence of washing stations, hand sanitizers of standard quality prescribed by the government should be used as hand rub,” he said.

Disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning the learning spaces and surfaces in convergence with the concerned department and local volunteers should be a daily affair. “While coming and leaving school, students and teachers should maintain a physical distance of at least two meters from each other and no student or teacher should breach this distance rule,” he said.

Exchanging notebooks, stationery items have been strictly banned.  “The student safety, self-esteem, and security should be ensured. Keep students reminding of Covid related precautions, Schools authorities should limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups in the school,” the order said.