Bengaluru: CM Yediyurappa gives go ahead for reopening of schools, colleges on Jan 1

Bengaluru: The state government, which had ordered the closure of schools and colleges due to Covid pandemic in March this year, has decided to reopen the educational institutions with the well-being of students in mind, from January 1, 202.   Though there is concern of a second wave of coronavirus variant in the state, the government has gone ahead to open schools, colleges by following precautionary measures. This matter was discussed in the cabinet meeting that was held on Monday December 28 and it was decided to begin the schools, colleges as planned earlier from January 1st itself.   Education minister Suresh Kumar kept a proposal to reopen schools by saying that there is no issue to start schools, colleges in the state at this time. Experts have also given advice to begin schools by taking precautionary measures. So let us start schools, colleges from January 1, 2021 itself. Chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa gave the green signal to the proposal by giving his consent. In addition, health minister Dr Sudhakar also gave a positive response to the proposal put forward by Suresh Kumar.   Education minister advised that advice will be sought from experts if there is any issue with regards to the Britain virus. But as of now there is no need to change the date. All the members of the cabinet accepted the suggestion of the education minister.   As soon as the cabinet confirmed the reopening of schools, colleges on January 1, CM Yediyurappa gave strict instructions to both education as well as the health department to follow the Covid related guidelines in schools and colleges without fail and asked the departments to take steps to ensure the same.   The CM asked both education department and district administration to work in tandem so that no issue is faced by the students or school administration when the schools reopen. He also warned the district-in-charge ministers to monitor the activities.