Bhubaneswar: Schools, colleges, other educational institutions, and coaching centers will remain closed in Odisha till July 31, informed Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy on Monday. “School, college, and other educational institutions where training and coaching are being provided will remain closed till July 31,” Tripathy said while addressing a press meet. During the address, Tripathy said the fight against coronavirus will not end soon and people have to be very careful. “The June month is very crucial for our preparation to fight the pandemic,” the Chief Secretary said.
Tripathy further said that shopping complexes, cinema halls, gyms, and swimming pools in the State will remain closed till June end. Similarly, entry of people into religious places will not be allowed until June 30. However, hotels can operate with 30 percent capacity, he said. Notably, the State government had earlier announced that the schools will reopen on June 17 after remaining shut in view of coronavirus lockdown. However, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Dash recently made it clear that the schools will continue to remain closed as the Centre has issued revised guidelines. He said the decision regarding the reopening of the educational institutions will be taken in July.
Meanwhile, the evaluation of Plus II examination answer sheets began today in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The first phase evaluation of science and commerce streams is being carried out online. The evaluation of Arts and Vocational courses will start from next week. “The State government will assess the situation in the first week of July and take decisions accordingly. There are 23 pending examinations of Plus II council which will be finished at the earliest with strict adherence to COVID protocols,” Dash had said.
