Schools to reopen in Manipur based on public opinion amid lockdown

Imphal: Since March 12, educational institutions in Manipur have remained closed as part of the state’s precautionary measures amid COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the state government have sought suggestions and opinions on reopening of schools and colleges from the public, including schools and college principals, renowned academicians, parents, student bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and any person working closely in the field of education.

The closure of schools has substantially affected education of children in many ways and it has also impacted the physical, health and mental well being of the children as well as their parents, said commissioner of education department T Ranjit Singh.

Singh also pointed out that despite online or other options made available to the students, their learning levels have dropped.

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Despite the state launching a dedicated e-learning website for students studying in Class I to XII, there are reports that students, especially from far-flung areas of villages, couldn’t avail of the online classes due to non-access to internet connectivity.

The state government is seriously considering restoring of academic activities in the best possible manner in the interest of all students, Singh added.

As per an official statement, before taking an appropriate and consensus decision for re-opening of educational institutions and functioning of academic activities in post COVID-19 period, the state government has decided to consider an appropriate and beneficial feedback, inputs and suggestions from the public.

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The government has urged the people in the state to write their opinion or suggestions to manipur.education.s@gmail.com latest by June 19.

A consultative meeting regards to the reopening of schools and colleges in the state has been scheduled to be held on June 20 at City Convention in Imphal.

According to education director Th Kirankumar, over 300 schools and colleges are in requisition for institutional and community quarantine centres to accommodate the returnees from various parts of the country amid the lockdown.

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