TN firm over reopening schools on 1 November


Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi

Chennai: Tamilnadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has said that there is no change in the government’s decision to reopen schools for classes 1 to 8 from 1 November.

Speaking to mediapersons in Tiruchy, the Minister said that the classes will be conducted on a rotational basis.

‘Only 20 students will be permitted inside one classroom. It will be difficult for first standard students to wear a mask for a long time. A decision on this will be taken after consultation,’ he added.

The Minister further said that it will be ensured that the standard operating procedures are followed.

‘With the schools set to reopen, the government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the students and teachers are safe,’ he added.

The decision to reopen schools was taken considering the views expressed by the health experts, educationists, and parents that the absence of formal schooling has caused huge loss of learning as well as depression among the school children, Chief Minister M K Stalin said.

It may be noted that already, regular classes for Standards 9 to 12 have been going on. The Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE) has also asked all arts and science colleges to begin classes for first year students on 4 October.

The Higher Education Department has instructed colleges to be prepared to conduct orientation programmes for candidates admitted for the academic year 2021-2022.