Maharashtra Government Releases Guidelines For Starting Schools From First Standard, 100% Vaccination Must For Teachers And Staff

Mumbai, 29th November 2021: The Department of School Education has approved to start all classes in schools in the Maharashtra state from December 1 and guidelines have been issued in this regard. The Minister of School Education Prof. Varsha Gaikwad has appealed to all schools to strictly follow these instructions. A government circular has been issued in this regard.

Prior to the commencement of school, health, hygiene and other safety measures are given priority. Only those teachers / non-teaching staff of the school who have undergone covid vaccination (both doses of vaccine) should be allowed in the school/office as per these guidelines. All teachers and non-teaching staff should take RTPCR test for Covid-19, 48 hours in advance. Students should be told consistently that their noses and mouths should be completely covered with masks.

There will be strict restrictions on organizing school ceremonies, gatherings and other similar events which may cause more crowds or touches. Teacher-parent meetings should also be held online if possible. Hand washing facilities should be provided in the school. The classroom should have a seating arrangement for one student at a time. Students will need the consent of their parents before attending school.

The department has also issued guidelines on measures to be taken after the commencement of school. Accordingly, cleanliness and hygienic conditions should be maintained in the school and its surroundings. All schools should be attached to health centres. Doctors and parents should be consulted for this.

Schools with high enrollment should be filled in two sessions per day. Students, teachers and staff should be subjected to daily thermal screening tests. At present, no games of any kind should be played for the students of 1st to 4th class. Drivers and helpers should be 100 percent vaccinated for safe travel of students.

In addition to the above instructions, schools should determine the necessary guidelines, instructions and implement them according to the local conditions. The guidelines also state that the instructions given by the government from time to time regarding Covid-19 should be followed.

We are happy to welcome students from Std 1 onwards #BackToSchool on Dec 1. Safe resumption of schools is being considered to ensure all students have equal access to education amidst the pandemic. @CMOMaharashtra @AjitPawarSpeaks @scertmaha @MahaDGIPR @msbshse @Balbharati_MSBT pic.twitter.com/vXjJbpASxH

— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) November 29, 2021