Team Herald

PANJIM: The State government has tentatively decided to partially re-open schools for students of Classes IX to XII and for the final year degree programme from September 21, in consultation with the Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs).

Addressing media persons on Friday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said the State will follow the guidelines set by the Central government while allowing the phased re-opening of these classes after September 20, by following the required health protocol.

“Written permission from parents is mandatory. We will resume classes in consultation with PTAs. Tentatively we are working to resume classes as per Central guidelines,” he stated.

He said the Ministry of Health has set certain guidelines like proper physical distancing, wearing of masks, etc for students and this will be followed. “Students, coming from a family with no active positive case will be allowed to attend the classes,” he said.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed the phased re-opening of schools as well as skill training centers from September 21, with voluntary attendance after obtaining written permission from parents, only for guidance from the teachers.

Educational institutions in the State have been shut since mid-March in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. From June, the online-classes have resumed for students.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reiterated that departments will adopt all 191 village panchayats and 14 municipalities by October 2 to make them self sufficient with an economic revival plan under ‘Swyampurna Goa’ in line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Sawant said that 27 departments have so far benefited and have implemented various schemes under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package. However, he maintained that the financial benefit received would be known only by March 31, 2021.

The Chief Minister said that the Planning Department is monitoring the implementation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package in the State.