Govt to decide on reduction of syllabus this week: Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: Amidst confusion over portion of subjects to be curtailed in syllabus for the academic session 2020-21 in view of COVID-19 pandemic, Odisha Government will take its decision this week, informed School & Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash today.

“The expert committee of three departments — Board of Secondary Education (BSE), State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) — has given their suggestions, which are being scrutinised by the Principal Secretary. I hope, a clear picture will come up this week about reduction of syllabus for this academic session,” Dash told reporters.

However, it is yet to be decided how much will be reduced from which subject.

Replying to media on re-opening of schools in Odisha, he said that it will be decided after August 31 after reviewing the Covid situation in the State.

“As per Centre’s guidelines, the school will remain closed till August 31. It will be cleared about re-opening of schools after August 31. It is assumed that COVID-19 is at its peak in Odisha. As the upcoming September is believed to be a crucial month, the State Government will decide on re-opening of schools after reviewing the situation,” Dash said.

It is to be mentioned that Odisha Government has decided to reduce the school syllabus for this year due to academic pressure on students amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had announced to reduce the syllabus for school students by 30 percent in view of COVID-19 crisis.