The Nagaland government on Friday issued an order permitting the partial reopening of schools for students of classes 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in areas outside the containment zones with effect from September 21, subject to strict adherence to SOP to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Skill or entrepreneurship training in national skill training institutes, industrial training institutes, short term training centres registered with National Skill Development Corporation or State Skill Development Missions or other ministries of Government of India has also been permitted from that day.

The order issued by chief secretary Temjen Toy said 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff may be permitted to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching/ tele-counselling and related work in areas outside the containment zones only, subject to strict adherence to the SOP.

Students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit their schools, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers subject to the written consent of their parents/ guardians, and strict adherence to all the provisions in the SOP.

The order said skill or entrepreneurship training will be permitted in national skill training institutes, industrial training institutes, short term training centres registered with National Skill Development Corporation or State Skill Development Missions or other ministries of Government of India subject to strict adherence to the SOP.

It said National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and their training providers will also be permitted as per the SOP.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]