Schools in J-K to reopen in gradual manner from February 14

SRINAGAR — The government on Sunday ordered the reopening of schools in Jammu and Kashmir in a phased manner from February 14 and February 28. Besides, the government also said that the offline classes for the 9th to 12th standard can commence on February 14.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the State Executive Committee (SEC) in an order said, “The Winter Zone schools of J&K shall commence offline teaching for all classes after 28th of February 2022.”

“All Summer Zone schools in Jammu and Kashmir shall open in a phased manner. Classes from 9th to 12th can commence routine offline teaching from February 14,” reads the order, adding, “All Universities, Colleges, Polytechnics, ITIs shall commence routine offline teaching after ensuring readiness for enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour and Standard Operating Procedures from February 14.”

The SEC said that all the students between 15-17 age group coming to attend regular offline classes must carry vaccination certificates with them. “The Head of the institutions must ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed including regular screening at the entrance to the institution,” it reads.

It also states that they shall also screen any symptomatic student and ensure their testing to contain any possibility of spread of the virus in their institutions.

The SEC said that all the students of the 15-17 age group coming to attend regular offline classes must carry a vaccination certificate with them. Head of Institutions must ensure vaccination of every student above 15 years of age in their respective Institutions.

“The vaccination adherence shall be ensured through coordination with the Department of Health and Medical Education J&K,” it reads.

According to the government order, “Every school must further ensure full compliance to Covid Appropriate Behavior SOPs.”

It also reads that the students must also ensure screening and testing of any symptomatic students to contain any possibility of spread. “The offline mode of teaching for remaining junior classes in Summer Zone schools shall begin from February 21,” it reads.

SEC said, “Head of Institutions shall be responsible for adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour in their respective schools and prepare proper plans for the same.”

“Coaching Centres for Civil Services, Engineering, NET are permitted to adopt the offline mode of teaching subject to the condition that both faculty members, as well as students, are fully vaccinated and the Head of the centre ensures due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP,” SEC said.