The Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has ordered a three-week mid-term holiday for government, aided and unaided schools following the state board syllabus starting from October 12 to 30 in the wake of many teachers having contracted coronavirus. He said in a statement, “I have come to know through the media about many teachers contracting Covid-19 infection, so keeping in mind the health of teachers and students, I have directed senior officials to issue an order declaring mid-term holiday for three weeks from October 12 to 30.”

However, the order is not applicable to schools following the CBSE, ICSE and international curriculum. The government also added that both online and offline classes on www.kamstv.com will be stopped as well.

The CM also noted that due to the coronavirus infections, orders have already been issued not to open schools for the time being and to halt the Vidyagama programme for government school students.

The Karnataka government had earlier cancelled mid- term holidays, scheduled between October 3 to 26, for schools in the state for the year 2020-21. It had said that the Vidyagama programme for government school students and online classes in private schools would continue. Schools, which had online exams in the coming days were scrambling to change the plans.

After reports stated that that about 34 students and some teachers tested positive for the COVID-19, the state government on Saturday had decided to halt the Vidyagama programme temporarily.

Yediyurappa has also requested parents of children not to pay heed to any speculation regarding reopening of schools and assured them that a decision will be taken only after weighing the pros and cons. Keeping in mind the health and future of children, he stated that a meeting of all leaders from all political parties, experts and senior officials will be held to discuss the pros and cons of reopening schools. He said, “Until then, I request parents not to pay heed to rumours or speculation over reopening of schools, and media to create awareness in this regard.”

Source: PTI

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