Schools, colleges and universities in West Bengal reopened on Thursday as Covid-19 cases declined in the past few weeks. Schools have been allowed to reopen for students in grades 8 to 12.

The state government also plans to open “neighborhood schools” for pre-primary and primary school students from Monday.

Schools in Bangladesh were first closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They reopened in February 2021 for students in classes 9 to 12, but had to close again in April 2021 due to parliamentary elections and a second wave of Covid-19. Schools for students in grades 9 to 12 reopened in November but closed on January 3 for a third surge.

Educational institutions will reopen from February 3, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday.

The daily number of Covid-19 cases has fallen from about 24,000 a day in mid-January to less than 3,000 this week. The government announced a number of easing policies this month. Direct flights from the UK are allowed along with direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi. Governments, private offices, restaurants, cinemas, bars, etc. have been allowed to work at 75% capacity.
Education Minister Bratya Basu announced last month that the government would launch “neighborhood schools” to reintroduce pre-school and primary pupils into the school system after nearly two years of open-air courses.

More than 6 million students will benefit thanks to “neighborhood schools,” an official said. “Students in pre-primary and primary classes have been in school for almost two years. Although online classes have been going on, it has had a detrimental effect on the children. So this project has been launched and teachers will be in their communities for 5- to 9-year-olds Students set up courses,” Basu said.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times