Maharashtra schools to reopen for Classes 1 to 5 from October 25: Report

NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra government has decided to reopen schools for Classes 1 to 5 from October 25, as per Economic Times report. The schools will need to get consent of the parents for running physical classes and only 50% attendance is allowed, the report said.

The state resumed physical classes for Classes 5 to 12 on October 4 after being closed for over 18 months due to the pandemic situation.

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Until now, schools were conducting physical classes only in the areas with fewer COVID-19 cases. Last month, Maharashtra's school education minister, Varsha Gaikwad had announced that physical classes will resume in schools across the state and the government also issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for it, said a PTI report.

On Monday morning, the education minister in a tweet said, "Wishing all parents and students the very best as schools reopen across the state today. We hope you enjoy your first day back in a safe atmosphere,” a PTI report said.

According to the Maharashtra government, physical sessions have started for classes 5 to 12 in rural areas and for classes 8 to 12 in urban areas of the state. But, the physical classes have not yet been resumed for classes 1 to 4 in rural areas and for classes 1 to 7 in urban areas, as per the PTI report.

The Maharashtra education department conducted a meeting on Sunday to take stock of the situation before resuming physical classes in schools. "For a smooth transition to physical classes, effective coordination with the health department, local administration will have to be maintained. We are committed to providing a conducive atmosphere to students, many among whom will be returning to class after a year and a half," Gaikwad had tweeted after the meeting.

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As per SOPs issued by the state government for the reopening of schools, it is not mandatory for students to attend physical classes. If they want to attend, they will have to submit consent letters from their parents