Unlock 2: Schools, colleges to remain shut till July 31

NEW DELHI: Educational institutions including schools, colleges and coaching institutions to remain shut till 31, as the government on Monday issued guidelines for the month-long 'Unlock 2' beginning July 1. As per the guidelines online and distance learning shall continue and encouraged during this period.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said after extensive consultation with states and UTs, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31.

Issuing the guidelines, the said that the new guidelines will come into effect from July 1 and the process of the phased reopening of activities has been extended further. "The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from states and Union Territories, and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments," according to the guidelines signed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.

Lockdown shall remain implemented strictly in the containment zones till July 31.

Training institutions of the central and state governments will be allowed to function with effect from July 15. A standard operating procedure (SOP) in this regard will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training of the central government.

Earlier in May, while extending the nationwide lockdown by one month until June 30 to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Centre said that schools and colleges will open in a phased manner outside containment zones. As per the Unlock 1.0 guidelines issued by the MHA, schools, colleges, educational, training, coaching institutions, etc will be opened after consultations with states and union territories. It had announced that the decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July.

The home ministry also asked state governments and union territory administrations to hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a final decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July.

(With inputs from PTI)

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