From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday advised the states that have amended the RTE (Right to Education) rules not to detain students in Class 5 and 8 to prevent dropouts. It also issued new school reopening guidelines to prevent spread of Covid-19, leaving it up to the states to decide on the consent of guardians on students attending the physical classes.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry for the school reopening proposes smooth transition of students from home studies to formal schooling. “The state and UT may decide at their level whether their school are required to take the consent of the parents of the students for attending the physical classes,” states the modified SOP.
The ministry also asked the schools to identify students based on their learning levels and introduce remedial programmes to improve their reading and numeracy skills.
In addition, the ministry asked states to make specific markings to manage queue and ensure social distancing. Sanitising of school classroom and transportation, proper disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, students deboard to be done using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution/spray and physical distancing while distributing mid-day meal under PM Poshan are also to be implemented.