Bihar School Reopening Update: With the number of COVID-19 cases falling rapidly and vaccinations across the state on the rise, questions have been asked about the reopening of schools in Bihar. In response to this, the Bihar State Education Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has hinted that a decision with regards to reopening of Schools in Bihar may be taken after 6th July 2021. In a public function recently, Mr Choudhary said that the state education department is monitoring the situation around Coronavirus pandemic very closely and will take decision regarding reopening of school at an appropriate time. He further added that if the number of COVID-19 cases continue falling in the state, his office can take a call on re-opening the schools in Bihar.
Reopening Being Planned in Phases
While saying that the state government may look at reopening of schools in Bihar, Education Minister also said that if and when done, the reopening will be done in different phases. He said the state education department will plan to reopen schools in different phases and schools will be reopened for students of different classes at different stages. They would be done step by step, if at all a decision to re-open is taken.
Reopening as per COVID-19 Guidelines, Protocols
Explaining the state government’s plan, Mr Choudhary further added that as part of the phase-wise reopening strategy; university and colleges would be reopened first. Following that, in the second phase, schools for secondary and higher secondary students would be opened. After reviewing the situation post reopening of high-schools, a decision about reopening of primary schools will be taken by the state government. The phase-wise reopening process is being planned in a way that reopening can be done in a safe and organized manner while adhering to all the guidelines and protocols for COVID-19 safety. The Minister also said that once re-opening starts, it would be mandatory for the educational institutions to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. For this, SOP’s will also be released ensuring the safety of all.