Guidelines for reopening of schools HEIs outside containment zones

• States/UTs may take a decision in respect of reopening of schools & coaching institutes after Oct 15, in a graded manner.

For schools or coaching centres ::

The guidelines issued by the Centre on Saturday said that Sudents can come to school but they will need a written permission of their parents or guardians. The Ministry has said that schools and coaching centres must encourage online learning if the students decide not to come to schools due to coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Colleges and Higher institutions::

Higher institutions can reopen only for PHd and PG students in Science and technology streams that need experimental or lab work.

Earlier, the Union Home Ministry had issued an order and made it clear that it was not compulsory for schools to restart classes on October 15. In the Unlock 5 guidelines, the MHA had also said that states and UTs have been given powers to take decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in graded manner.

The government said online and distance learningshould remain the  of teaching. Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, the government said. "Students may attend schools/institutions only with the written consent of parents," it said.

Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent, and states and Union Territories will make their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) on health and safety precautions before reopening schools and colleges.