On 26th April 2021, Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced the shutdown of schools, colleges, universities and hostels for upcoming 15days.
Districts excluding Chirang, Baska, Biswanath, Majuli, Dima Hasao, Charaideo, Hailakandi, South Salmara and West Karni Anglong have already crossed the 100 mark and schools in the remaining districts will be completely closed, He added in a press conference from Guhawti Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
In his tweet the minister has advised DC shutdown all education institutions including hostels for 15days as cases in Kamrup Metro has exceeded 1000 Covid cases. He also mentioned that all other districts shall follow suit in case of the numbers reaching a threshold that require such measures.
Previously, Covid guidelines by Assam Government stated that education institutions in the state which includes schools, colleges and universities shall provide quality virtual education as per the guidelines.
In case of physical classes for students in 6th grade and above only 50 per cent attendance was allowed and schools were directed to stagger the class timings in order to avoid chaos while entry and exit.
But now due to a spike in Covid cases the government has decided to temporarily shut down schools for Class 6-8 students in the districts where the Covid cases have exceeded the limit of 100 till 8th of May 2021. While the classes for students in 9th grade and above will run with 50 per cent attendance, according to the education minister.
Government still has to decide about the Assam Board Examination 2021. While the students are asking to either postpone or cancel the exam.