As the COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Maharashtra, state School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has said schools will not reopen in the state before Diwali. All educational institutes, including schools, colleges and universities have been shut in state from March 16 as per the advisory issued by the central government, to curtail the spread of novel coronavirus.
Though the Centre has permitted the reopening of schools, the government in Maharashtra has no plans to do so before Diwali (November). Maharashtra has till now reported 15,17,434 coronavirus cases and 40,040 fatalities amid the contagion.
Gaikwad, who recently recovered from the infection, said schools have been conducting online classes and teachers have been taking special classes for students in some areas. However, the test is to find a way to end the academic year and measure students, she told PTI.
Gaikwad said, "While we are exploring various options, it is clear that schools will not open before Diwali.” Many senior officials have also stated that the reopening of schools in the current scenario is out of the question since the outbreak is not slowing down.
Meanwhile, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant also made clear his department does not mean to reopen colleges until the pandemic is under control. "The situation is grim for students who wish to pursue higher studies abroad, as their future depends on our decision," he told PTI.