Reopening of school for classes 1-5 unlikely says Min Suresh

Hubballi: Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar said that schools for classes 1 to 5 were expected to start from March 1 but due to a sudden increase in the number of COVID-19 cases it cannot be done.

Speaking to reporters in the city here, he said that the Central government was worried after cases started increasing in five States of the country, Karnataka being one of them.

“Moreover, infection rates are high in Kerala and Maharashtra. Thus, it is not possible to reopen schools. We will consult with experts and come to a decision based on their report and the advice of the health department,” the minister added.

“It would not be right to start schools in such a situation. The government is concerned about the future of children. If we receive any specific complaints about schools being reopened then action would be taken,” Kumar said.

“The implementation of the National Education Policy has been discussed and approved by the Cabinet. The task force headed by retired chief secretary SV Ranganatha has issued a report on how to implement it. We will be studying the report soon,” he said.