Manipur Education Minister S. Rajen Singh said that classes from IX and above standards will resume from January 27 this year. Decision for resumption of classes was taken during the recent cabinet sitting, he added.

The minister was speaking to media persons during a press conference held at the conference hall of the minister at Old Secretariate, South Block, Imphal.

He said that with the view to supplement the deficit classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Education department has arranged to resume classes with strict SOPs. This decision has been taken with reference to Board and Higher Secondary Council examinations.

Rajen explained that the willing students to attend classes will be COVID-19 tested prior to their attendance. Only COVID-19 negative students will be allowed to attend classes. Consent certificates from the respective guardians/ parents have also to be produced.

He maintained that classes may be conducted in shifts depending on the prevailing circumstances of the respective schools and colleges. Regular visits and inspections will also be conducted. This time classes will be a bit special unlike before, he added.

Proper instructions have also been given to concerned officials of the Education department. Required medical kits like hand sanitiser, face mask, washing soaps and detergents etc. will also be provided for the students, teaching and non-teaching staffs. He said that circle in charges have been instructed to be ready and follow the necessary instruction and guidelines of the government.

Rajen then appealed to the teachers, guardians, students and civil organisations to cooperate with the decision of the government on the opening of educational institutions in the state.