Decision of reopening primary schools in Odisha may be revoked: DMET

Bhubaneswar: A day after the Odisha Government announced reopening of primary schools for students of classes 1 to 5, Dr Rama Raman Mohanty, Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), today said the decision may be revoked in view of the prevailing Omicron situation.

“The state government might have taken the decision considering the previous situation when there was no Omicron scare and daily COVID-19 cases in the state were below 200. The decision might be changed due to the current situation,” the DMET said.

COVID-19 cases in the country today registered around 40% surge. The Health Department is mulling over the steps to be taken for curbing the infections, he said.

“People should stay away from crowded places, wear mask, maintain social distancing, and wash their hands regularly as a part of precautionary measure,” he added.

The Odisha Government had yesterday made an announcement regarding reopening of the primary schools in the state from January 3, 2022.

“The State Government has decided to reopen around 27,000 schools for Class I to V students from January 3, 2022. The schools, where Matric Summative Assessment-I is scheduled to be held between January 5 and 8, will reopen from January 10, 2022,” School & Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash had said.

As per the decision, the classes will be held from 9 am to 12 noon without break. The distribution of dry ration among students under the mid-day meal scheme will continue as before till further orders.

The decision has evoked mixed reactions among educationalists and parents of the students.

Also read– Mixed Reaction To Odisha Govt’s Decision On Primary Schools.