DMs to decide on classes in schools

No offline class in designated examination centers in Jammu

Srinagar: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases the government has asked District Magistrates (DM) of Jammu and Kashmir to take a call on continuous functioning or closure of schools in their jurisdictions.
The schools which were closed amid the Covid-19 pandemic were re-opened for an academic session in the month of February in Jammu while institutes were re-opened in Kashmir in the month of March. However over the past few days more then 90 students and dozens of staff members were tested positive for Covid-19 in Kashmir valley.
In this regard, an order has been issued by Umesh Sharma Deputy Secretary to the Government.
“Kindly refer government orders regarding re-opening of schools/guidelines on Covid-19 containment measures in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir wherein detailed SOPs were mentioned to be followed for the opening of schools across Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. It has been observed that surge of pandemic Covid-19 has wide variation among districts”, the order reads.
“In view of the above decision regarding the running of physical classes via a vis online classes require to be taken at district level by the competent authority. I am directed to convey that all the District Magistrates/Chairman DDMAs of Kashmir and Jammu divisions shall take a call on the continuation of academic activities that is physical classes or online classes in their respective jurisdictions, keeping in view of the safety of the students and present trend of pandemic Covid-19 in different districts, Chief Education Officers and other authorities will assist in taking such decisions”, the order reads.
While in the separate, the education department has directed schools in the Jammu division that no offline classes shall designates exam centres for class 10, 11 and 12th. In this regard, an order has been issued by B K Singh Administrative Secretary School Education Department.
“In view of the ongoing examinations for secondary level classes all the head of institutions in government and private schools are directed that there shall be no offline classwork in schools of Jammu division, designated as examination centres for the ongoing upcoming examination of class 10, 11 and 12th on the examination day due to prevailing condition”, the order reads.
“However, all head of the institutions shall continue to impart online education classes to its students during the exam days so that the education of the children is not affected”, it added.