Haryana Considers Opening Schools as the COVID-19 Curve Flattens

Haryana Chief Minister Lal Khattar expressed the need for a concrete plan to reopen schools in an interview on Thursday. Additionally, the Haryana CM reassured his belief in upholding a strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. As quoted, “Given the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, a plan should be made to reopen the schools at the earliest….” Currently, all educational institutions, from the primary to postgraduate level, are closed in Haryana. This closing is due to the COVID-19 epidemic. However, CM Khattar asserted that “As of now, the COVID-19 curve is flattened.” He continued, reasserting in an official release that the state should also “increase the amount of academic support available to students.”

Haryana New Education Policy Implementation

The CM oversaw a review committee earlier in the week to implement the new National Education Policy within Haryana. The chief minister had announced that Haryana remains a trailblazer regarding the application of the NEP. Additionally, according to officials, the state plans to implement all tenets of the policy by 2025 successfully. Khattar said that “since the announcement of the NEP, dedicated efforts have already been made by both the state and central governments to spread extensive awareness.”

Hence, top officials from four departments coalesced to brief the CM on the NEP implementation plan during the meeting. These departments were School Education, Higher Education, Women and Child Development, and Technical Education. Additionally, representatives presented recommendations which the state have already put into practice. Additionally, an official noted that out of 4,000 smart schools in the state, over 1,000 would begin admissions as soon as the state lifts restrictions. Hence, the CM noted that the government must formulate cluster plans for these schools.