Take decision on reopening of schools in 2 months: HC to Odisha Govt

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today directed the State Government to take a decision regarding reopening of schools with adherence to COVID-19 protocols within two months.

The High Court was hearing a PIL filed by one Ranjita Mohapatra of Amankud area in Khurda district. The petitioner had moved the court seeking its direction to the government to reopen schools, which were closed across the state due to the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.

Mohapatra, who had filed the petition through advocate Ashis Kumar Mishra, said the students have remained disconnected from their educational institutions for two years.

While the government has allowed other categories of institutions to reopen and function, steps are not being taken for reopening of schools, the petition said.

Education of the students is getting severely hampered due to the closure of schools, it said.

The World Bank Education Director has opined that there is no justification for closing the schools due to the COVID situation, the petition said, adding that while the Odisha Government has allowed conduct of panchayat elections, it is surprising that schools are remaining closed.