The Delhi government has allowed all schools in the capital to call back students of grade 10 and 12 back to school from January 18. Opening of the schools has been linked to preparing for pre-board exams and practical work.
The schools across Delhi are shut, first, owing to the pandemic induced lockdown and later to curb the spread of the virus. Directorate of Education (DOE) in a circular issued on Tuesday said, "In order to conduct the activities pertaining to pre-board preparations and practical work, the head of government, aided and unaided recognized schools may call the students of classes 10 and 12 only to school with effect from January 18, 2021."
Further, the DOE added, "However, the child should be called to school only with the consent of parents, following the enclosed standard operating procedure. Further, while the records of children coming to school be maintained, the same should not be used for attendance purposes as sending the child to school is completely optional for parents."
Teachers and other staff coming from the areas declared as containment zones won't be allowed to enter the school. Similarly, the schools in containment zones still remain shut. The schools have been asked to follow standard operation procedure and take proper precautions such as, the schools are not allowed to hold outdoor physical activities like holding an assembly, etc.
Guidelines will be issues by the Principals regarding not sharing the books and other material in class. The pre-board exams will be conducted by the schools in Delhi between March 3 and April 15. For grade 10, the exams will be from April 1 to April 15. The CBSE has announced the date sheet as per which the practical exams are going to begin from March 1.
The written exams will be conducted from May 3. Besides following social distancing norms, students shall be asked to wear mask and take other necessary precautions.