Schools across West Bengal were reopened for students in grades 9-12 on Tuesday, November 16 after several months. However, strict COVID-19 restrictions still apply. Since morning, students thronging West Bengal’s school gates was a familiar sight. Online classes for students in junior and middle schools will continue for the moment, although Bratya Basu, the Education Minister of the state, has stated that all efforts are being made to bring back the pupils.
Schools in Kolkata and West Bengal went through a massive sanitisation drive. They also put in place Covid protocols for all students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. Bratya Basu, Education Minister, stated that no student will be forced to attend physical class and that parents should decide whether to send their children to school.
On Tuesday, colleges and universities opened their doors to students. However, some authorities have stated that different days will not be set up for faculties in order to reduce crowding on campuses. Students were asked to not share their food and to observe social distancing rules.