After nine months, schools in Tripura reopened for 10th and 12th standard students on Monday.
The schools of the state had remained closed since March in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Education minister Ratan Lal Nath visited schools and colleges in the capital, Agartala to inspect the preparedness and response of the students.
On the first day, around 50 per cent of the students turned up for classes.
“It was decided to open schools and colleges. Reopening of schools became essential for class 10th and 12th students ahead of their board exams. I visited some of the schools to check the preparedness, I also visited women’s college here and the arrangements there were also satisfactory. Teachers were also present in good strength,” said Nath.
“We used to attend online classes before regular classes started. We feel really good to be back in school, my parents have also permitted me to attend the regular classes. We met our teachers and friends after so long. We are taking adequate measures to protect ourselves,” said Sunayna Ghosh, a student.
Tripura Government had earlier announced reopening regular class-work in schools from December 1 but upon not getting clearance from the health department, the State government withdrew its decision right before the reopening date.
A set of restrictions and guidelines including installation of handwashing facilities or sanitization facilities, thermal scanning on arrival, social distancing and use of masks have been made mandatory in the schools.
School students will also require a written consent letter from their parents for admission in the resumed classes.
Schools have also taken additional measures to reduce the student load by arranging odd-even and boys-girls alternate day present arrangements to maintain physical distance in classrooms.