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Schools to re-open from February, 1 across Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu
January 23, 2021

The Jammu and Kashmir School Board of Education on Friday announced re-opening of both private and government schools in the Union Territory from February 1. The schools were closed across Jammu and Kashmir last year in March following the pandemic, however, students were taught through online classes.

In an order issued by B K Singh, Administrative Secretary to the Government School Education Department, Government Educational institutes, including recognized private schools, shall physically be opened in a staggering manner.

As per the order, ''Schools in Summer Zone areas of Jammu Division for Classes 9 to 12 will commence from February 1, 2021, and in case of elementary classes, teachers shall attend from January 1, while students shall physically attend classes from February 8, 2021''.

Whereas, schools in Kashmir Division and Winter Zone areas of Jammu Division will open as per their schedule. The School Education Department has also issued certain Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for running of classes. According to the SOPs, ''For the ownership of the initiative, a Local Committee needs to be framed per school, comprising Parents, VEC members, SMC members and other prominent persons from the habitation for monitoring and support of the School.

''The students can sit almost two meters apart from each other and in case of non-availability of such space, staggered schedule /Shift timings and student rotation can be an option. All students and Teachers should wear masks,'' it further read. ''Hand-washing points with proper soap should be made available for the students and teachers.

Touching of surfaces by the students and teachers in and around the area of the school should be prohibited,'' added the SOP. ''Disinfecting, sanitizing and cleaning the Learning spaces and surfaces, in convergence with the concerned department and local volunteers, should be a daily affair,'' read the SOP.