Schools to start by June 15: Education dept explores virtual, physical learning

After a series of meetings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state school education department has decided to begin the new academic year on June 15. Depending on the condition of the area each school is located in, attendance will be either physical or virtual. For the same, the final go-ahead is to come from local authorities of each city, taluka or village.

Education commissioner Vishal Solanki said, “It is essential that students not remain away from studies for too long, and that their academic year begins. In areas of more cases, virtual learning can start. In green zones, physical attendance can be allowed amid all precautions. Mumbai, Pune and some other places as red zones cannot open schools. But a few rural parts at the taluka and village levels can.”

In zones where COVID-19 keeps schools shut, the department plans to start virtual classrooms, give teaching aides via TV channels.

Zilla Parishad (ZP) teacher Bhau Chaskar said, “Things like availability of water, sanitisers and more must be considered. Government teachers engaged in other COVID-19 duties should be released to counsel parents and also to prepare school plans.” Ganesh Bora, an academician from Chinchwad, said, “All facilities must be provided in the school, from toilets to water, before launching the academic year. June 15 is too early to begin schools physically in the state. Missed days can be recovered by reducing vacations, but there can be no compromise on safety.”