Speaking to news agency ANI, Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said that schools, colleges and coaching institutes in the National Capital will resume physical classes in a phased manner, with Classes 9-12 reopening from 1 September and students of Classes 6-8 beginning in-person school from 8 September.
"Social distancing should be strictly followed and no student will be forced to come to the school. Consent of parents will be essential for students to come. If parents don't permit then students will not be forced to come, they'll not be considered absent either," Sisodia stated, ANI reported.
The decision has reportedly been taken in view of a recommendation by an experts panel formed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which had suggested reopening schools from September, NDTV reported.
On Thursday, 26 August, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had expressed, "We want the schools to be reopened as soon as possible but don't want to take any risk with the safety of students. We will take a decision soon," PTI reported.
At present, students of Classes 10, 11, and 12 can attend schools – provided they have their parent's consent – for admission purposes and board exam-related activities.
In October 2020, schools in several states had resumed physical attendance, following a decline in COVID-19 infections. In Delhi, students of Classes 9 to 12 were given the go ahead to attend school in January this year. However, the decision was revoked after a surge in cases.
As per reports, parents are concerned about the imminent third wave, and are therefore divided over the DDMA's plan to restart physical classes.
(With inputs from NDTV)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)