COVID-19 lockdown: MHRD yet to decide on reopening schools, colleges

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) says a decision on reopening schools and colleges on April 14 will be taken only after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the country.

All educational institutions have been closed since the country went into a 21-day lockdown from March 25 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' told the Press Trust of India on April 6 that “it is difficult to take a decision at the moment.”

Pokhriyal said, “We will review the situation on April 14 and depending upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for more time."

He said the education ministry would ensure that education of students do not suffer if the schools and colleges needed to remain shut beyond April 14.

"There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America's population. They are our biggest treasure,” Pokhriyal told NDTV.

All the examinations were postponed to contain the coronavirus outbreak and various institutions have started classes in online mode.

The HRD minister also said that a plan is already in place for conducting exams and evaluation as soon as the lockdown is lifted.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education has decided to conduct examinations only for the remaining 29 main subjects which are considered important for future prospects.

In a press release on April 1, the Board notified that it will announce the exam dates for these subjects 10 days in advance.

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