The Odisha government issued a timetable for students in classes 1 to 12 on Friday, just days before the state’s schools reopened. According to an order issued by the School and Mass Education Department, students in Classes 9 to 12 will be present from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while those in Classes 1 to 8 will be present from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For the time being, no cooked meals will be served in schools, but dry rations will be distributed as part of the Midday Meal (MDM) programme. SC Mohapatra, chief secretary, announced on Thursday that schools will reopen in two phases – Classes 8 to 12 on February 7 and primary section to Class 7 on February 14 – while adhering strictly to COVID-19 protocols.
Colleges and universities are also set to resume classes on February 7. In its most recent order, the higher education department directed authorities to take steps to reopen hostels and other student housing facilities on February 6.
Prasanta Patnaik