Team Herald
PANJIM: While the State government is yet to take a call with regards to reopening of educational institutions, which are shut since January 4, in view of COVID-19 surge, the Expert Committee member Dr Shekhar Salkar is of the view that offline classes from pre-primary to college level can be resumed now.
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In view of the prevailing Covid pandemic, the State government had on January 4 announced closer of academic institutions in the State till January 26, which was later extended till February 15, except for the conduct of examinations. However, teachers were asked to attend school to conduct online classes during this period.
The order issued by Revenue Secretary on January 23, extending the ban period, lapsed on Tuesday. Pending directions from the government, no fresh order has been issued till date.
“The State government is yet to take a call. Also no meeting of the Expert committee is been held. Due to election, the entire process was halted,” sources at North Goa collectorate said.
The Director Education Bhushan Savaikar too said that they have not received any communication from the government on reopening of schools. “We are yet to get directions from the government. In absence of government directions, we cannot take any call. Till then, classes will be held in online mode, except for examination,” he said.
Class X and XII prelims have commenced in offline mode while their board practical examinations are scheduled next month. The second term public examination is scheduled in April.
When contacted, expert committee member Dr Shekhar Salkar said that the committee is waiting for government directions to meet and decide on reopening of schools. “Time has come when the classes, right from pre primary level to college should start in offline mode. The COVID situation is under control and the children have missed schools for long now,” he said.
Meanwhile, the colleges, affiliated to Goa University, are likely to reopen from first week of March.
