Sikkim postpones reopening of schools for students below the 9th standard

Gangtok: The Sikkim Education Department on Sunday (November 1) postponed the reopening of classes in schools amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Classes, however, will continue for the students from Class 9 upwards.

"In reference with the Circular of Education Department No. 57/Secy/Edn/2020-21 dated October 15, 2020, and in conformity with the Home Department Order No. 36/Home/2020 dated 31/10/2020, reopening of the schools for Classes VI to VIII from November 02, 2020, and Classes III to V from November 23, 2020, is postponed till further orders," the Sikkim Education department said in a notification.

This will be applicable to the schools of all management government, government-aided, and private schools.

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It was earlier expected that all the Sikkim schools would resume in a graded manner in the month of October after the issuing of the Centre's Unlock 5 guidelines.

Bhim Thatal, a nodal officer of the education department's public relations and publicity wing, said that winter holidays will be done away with completely this year, and classes will be held six days a week, with Saturday being a half day.

All notified government holidays, however, will be in place, Thatal said.

The current academic session will conclude by February 13, 2021, and the next will commence two days after, on February 15, he said.

The schools, for various activities, will have to strictly comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the Union ministries of education and health, as well as the protocols set by the state, Thatal said.

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