FACT CHECK: MHA permits all states to reopen schools

While India is under the fourth phase of lockdown, imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus, there have been speculations about the opening of schools in the states. Some of the news channels have been making headlines that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has permitted all the states to open schools. However, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that no decision has been taken by the MHA. All the educational institutions are still prohibited to open, throughout the country. Home Ministry, in its guidelines for lockdown 4, had stated that all schools, colleges, educational training and coaching institutions, etc, will remain closed. It also stated that only online distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged. https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1265331467615420423?s=20 Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a notice, granting permission to conduct board examinations during the lockdown. The notice issued by MHA permits CBSE, ICSE and other State Boards, whose exams were disrupted or are pending to begin the exams. Also Read | India’s coronavirus recovery rate continues to improve: Health Ministry

MHA Guidelines for conducting CBSE, ICSE and State Board Exams 2020:

• No Examination center in the containment zone.
• Wearing face masks by teachers, staff, and students would be mandatory.
• Examination centers to have provisions for thermal screening and sanitizers.
• Social distancing has to be followed at the examination centers.
• Boards to ensure staggered examination schedule as various boards still have to conduct the exams.
• States and Union Territories may arrange for special buses for the transit of students.

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