The decision to announce the holiday comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced on Sunday a three-week holiday for students and teachers in Karnataka schools. The holiday announcement means teachers do not need to report to schools and there will be no online classes until October 30. This will apply to government and private schools under the state board in both urban and rural areas.
“The announcement of the holiday means that there will be no activity in the schools and, consequently, there will be no online classes until October 30”, Tushar Girinath, responsible, main secretary of the Department of Primary and Secondary Education.
The order applies only to state board schools and not to schools under CBSE or ICSE in the state.
The decision to announce the holiday comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. “I have directed officials to issue an order declaring a three-week holiday for schools from October 12-30 in light of reports that several teachers have been infected by COVID-19,” Yediyurappa said in a statement released to the media.
After schools were closed on March 25 when the closure was imposed and extended to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the education department started the Vidyagama program to teach students in state schools. In some parts of the state it started in July.
“The Vidyagama scheme has been launched to allow around 42 lakh of students from the socially weaker sections to learn in classes that are held in open spaces under the trees or on the terrace of their school facilities,” said an official.
The Union Ministry of the Interior (MHA) has already issued guidelines to reopen schools and universities across the country as of October 15, but the Karnataka government has decided to wait at least until the end of the month due to the growing number of cases. of COVID-19. in the state.
Former Chief State Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) Leader HD Kumaraswamy criticized the state government for canceling mid-term holidays for teachers despite an increase in COVID-19 cases over the weeks.
Dasara celebrations will take place in the intervening weeks and are expected to be restricted to Mysuru.
.
