Karnataka State Schools to Remain Closed From October 12-30; Vidyagama Scheme to Be Suspended for Three Weeks

Karnataka State Education Department has put a hold on the conduct of offline classes under the Vidyagama scheme.

No offline classes will be conducted for three weeks functioning from Monday, October 12. Schools have been closed wholly as some teachers were tested positive for COVID-19.

Read: No Plans to Reopen Schools Anytime Soon during the COVID-19 pandemic, confirms Karnataka Education Minister

The Vidyagama Scheme, which was launched by Karnataka Government to ensure offline learning to underprivileged children, was also suspended the day before.

This decision was taken after following the COVID reports of 34 students. All students belong to Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts and were tested positive for COVID-19.

Chief Minister Yediyurappa has directed concerned officials to issue an order declaring a three-week holiday for schools from October 12-30.

In a meeting, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said, “Schools across Karnataka would have a three-week holiday from Monday over reports that many teachers were infected with COVID in some districts.”

Vidyagama Scheme 2020

Under the Vidyagama scheme, the Karnataka State Government allowed students from lower socio-economic sections to attend offline classes in open spaces under trees or verandah in their school premises amidst lockdown. 

The Vidyagama scheme was launched in August by the Karnataka Government. Officials from IANS reported that around 42 lakh students are benefited from this scheme.

Read: Karnataka PUC Supplementary Result to be released in October; Check full details here

Vidyagama Scheme risking lives

Since the Vidyagama Scheme was launched, the state government has received heavy backlash from opposition. Kumaraswamy, Former Chief Minister of state in tweets alleged the state government for risking the lives of both teachers and students.

He further stated that the government should focus on the health of students rather than implementing such schemes which risked the lives of both teachers and students. Teachers of state-run and private schools were forced to attend schools to work without classes.

Though MHA has directed state governments to open educational institutes after October 15, the state government has not decided due to no let-up in COVID cases across the state.

Also Read: Unlock 5.0: States to Decide on Reopening of Schools after October 15