Parents' Consent, Flexible Attendance: New Rules For School Reopening

Students will attend schools only with the written consent of parents and there will be flexibility in attendance, say guidelines issued today by the government for the reopening of schools. The SOPs were released by the Department of School Education and Literacy. In its Unlock5 announcement, the Home Ministry had said states and Union Territories can decide when to reopen schools and coaching centres. According to the SOPs, students can opt for online classes. Schools must ensure proper sanitisation of equipment and classrooms. Schools have been asked to form task forces for ensuring hygiene and quick response to emergency situations.