Tamil Nadu Will Reopen Schools for Classes 1 to 8 From 1 November

The Tamil Nadu Education Ministry plans to reopen schools for classes 1 to 8 from 1 November. Earlier, on 1 September, the state’s government successfully resumed offline education for 9th to 12th standard students. This event has led to ministerial officials affirming that in-person classes will be viable for younger students as cases reduce.

The resurgence of the pandemic led to schools within TN closing their doors in March of 2021. Students within the state have been attending classes virtually since this occurred. Several representatives have rallied against this, stating that online learning has created a learning gap for less privileged students.

In response, government authorities held a meeting overseen by Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday, 28 September 2021. During this conference, CM Stalin formally requested the Secretariat to revise the current COVID-19 lockdown measures regarding the education sector. Thus, with consideration of feedback from health officials, parents, and education representatives, the government will allow all schools to open again from 1 November, including government-run, state-aided, and private institutions. Furthermore, physical classes will remain optional.

Due to this, schools throughout Tamil Nadu are preparing to follow the mandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These preparations include sanitisation of all areas and modifying infrastructure to allow for adequate social distancing. In addition, there will be a centralised information system for schools to share COVID-19 related data. Furthermore, the government has asked citizens to avoid visiting crowded places during the festival season. This request, along with other announced measures, is an attempt to prevent a third pandemic wave.