West Bengal schools reopen for Classes 8 to 12; open-air class for primary school from Feb 7

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Schools for Classes 8 to 12, colleges and universities reopened today on February 3. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced the West Bengal school reopening news. Mamata Banerjee, however, had said that the decision to reopen primary schools will be taken later.

Preparation to reopen schools began two days ago. Schools were instructed to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and maintain social distancing. Separate seating arrangements have been also made for students to prevent the spread of coronavirus and Omicron variant.

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According to the notification issued by the state governmnet, classes will be conducted in two shifts – from 11 am to 1 pm and from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.

The West Bengal education department had issued a notice to roll out a new initiative called 'Paray Sikshalay' (neighbourhood school) under which primary and pre-primary students of state-run schools will be given lessons in open spaces. The open-air session for primary school will begin from February 7, 2022.

The project, having received the approval of state secretariat 'Nabanna', would be roping in para-teachers and primary school teachers to impart elementary education to students of Classes 1 to 5.

The state government, on January 3, 2022, had shut all educational institutions in view of a spike in the Covid-19 cases in India. West Bengal schools remained closed till January 31, 2022, after the state government extended the Covid restrictions in the state to the end of the month.

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Administration of all educational institutions was permitted to function with 50% staff capacity. “All educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities in the state will remain shut till January 31. Only administrative activities will be allowed in educational institutions with 50 per cent staff members at a time,” said an order from the West Bengal government.

West Bengal on Wednesday reported 2,723 new coronavirus cases, 719 more than the previous day's count, pushing the tally to 20,00 253, the health department said in a bulletin, the PTI reported.