The Karnataka government is considering reopening of schools from July 1 for the new academic year 2020-2021 following a meeting with the department officials. But the dates will be finalised after consulting all the stakeholders including parents.

The admission process will begin after that from June 8 according to a circular by Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar. As per the tentative schedule, classes 4 to 7 will begin on July 1, classes 1 to 3 and 8 to 10 from July 15.

Further, regarding the Karnataka schools reopening, the government has proposed three models for the resumption of classes, that is, ensuring social distancing is maintained and usual classes are hold; divide the entire strength of class into two batches – one from morning (8 am – 12 noon) and from afternoon (1 pm – 5 pm) and holding classes for various grades on alternate days.

All the primary, higher primary and high school heads, teachers, parents and school management committee members/SDMC members are required to hold a meeting and give feedback on the proposed models and schedule.

Meanwhile, a group called Parents Association recently started an online petition on change.org addressing the MHRD stating that reopening schools in July will be the worst decision by the government. The petition ‘No Schools until Zero Covid Case in the State or until Vaccines are out’ suggests to continue education via e-learning for the new academic year and urges the government not to reopen schools until the COVID cases are completely eradicated or a vaccine is available.

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Source: The New Indian Express