Odisha CM: Government to Decide Reopening of Schools, not Education Department, Check Details Here

Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said that the final decision regarding the reopening of schools will be taken by the Government and not the Education Department. He said that appropriate action in this regard will be taken after considering the Covid-19 situation in the state.

This statement from Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik came after a few hours of the announcement from the School and Mass Education Department of Odisha. The department had previously indicated that educational institutes in the state might open in January 2021.

The Chief Minister Office issued a statement in this regard which read, "The Chief Minister has denounced the statements made on reopening of schools and colleges in the state. The state government will take appropriate decisions in this regard after taking into consideration of different factors."

The statement was issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) after the weekly review of the pandemic situation in the state by the CM. School and Mass Education Minister of Odisha, SR Dash had previously spoken to reporters and said that the schools across Odisha are likely to open in January next year.

He also said that students of class 10 and 12 will be given priority in reopening schools and resuming regular classes due to their upcoming board exam.

Higher Education Secretary of Odisha, Saswat Mishra had also commented on the issue and had expressed his hope regarding the opening of colleges and universities across the state in the month of January 2021.

Mishra had further said that while he was hopeful for the commencement of class, semester exams of PG and UG students were likely to be postponed due to lack of classroom teaching. He said that the exams will be conducted after physical classes of at least 70-80 days.

Meanwhile, on December 10, the Odisha state government had announced the tentative schedule of MBBS exams to be conducted in 7 universities of the state.

The Higher Education Department has informed the Controller of Examination that the Odisha government has approved the guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The examinations for MBBS students will be conducted by following the guidelines.