Meghalaya | Decision on reopening of schools to be finalised on Apr 28

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 27, 2020

The education department has said that the decision to re-open the schools post lockdown period is yet to be finalized. 

“The department of Education, Govt of Meghalaya would like to clarify & reiterate that the matter of re-opening of schools post lockdown period has not yet been finalised & any information circulating is not ratified by the department,” Principal Secretary in-charge education DP Wahlang said in a statement issued late on Sunday night.

He said the decision will be finalised after further discussions within the government and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on April 28. 

It may be mentioned here that a meeting was convened by the education department with various stakeholders to discuss on the post lockdown strategies for school re-opening and fees, on Saturday. 

Informing the outcome of the meeting to the heads of all Catholic educational institutions, Shillong Archdiocese Education Society (SAES) chairman Fr John Madur said schools outside Shillong will re-open on May 5 for classes IX, X and XII adding the rest of classes will re-open on May 11.

The department of Education, Govt of Meghalaya would like to clarify & reiterate that the matter of re opening of schools post lockdown period has not yet been finalised
Decision will be taken afterthe 28th April, 2020.
Principal Secretary
Education dept
Govt of Meghalaya

— Lahkmen Rymbui MLA (@LahkmenR) April 26, 2020

Fr John also informed that in Shillong, which is a red zone area, schools will re-open 3rd or 4th week of May. This will be notified by the education department.

He said that the meeting has also decided to maintain status quo in the school fees and it should be that of 2019.

The meeting also decided that there should be school fees exemption for the month of March, April and May for students coming from poor families only. It was also strongly requested by the members present, to exempt 50% of the school fees to such students.

It was also decided that there will be only unit tests and final/promotion exams for students this year.

Classes will also be held on Saturdays, either half day or full day. 

He said classes can continue till the first/second week of December adding holidays such as Puja/Mid term can go to the bare minimum.

According to Fr John, the decisions taken with regards to re-opening of schools will be subjected to the lockdown order in the state and country. 

Meanwhile, he informed that the SMC of the school will decide the fees exemption to the students.