‘Schools will open only when situation becomes normal’: HRD Minister emphasises on ‘e-learning’

New Delhi: As the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the coronavirus is here to stay, it becomes very clear that the future demands a generation that practices social distancing like sanitation and hygiene. Keeping this in mind, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the school systems require certain changes like remodelled seating arrangements, a smaller pool of students in a classroom and revised timings.

The HRD Minister said that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is working to reframe a better course structure for the school students. Keeping in mind the practices of social distancing, so that the education system becomes strong enough to tackle any further obstacles in the future. While talking about higher education, he said that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has framed the policies for the students of graduation, post-graduation, and the PhD.

UGC has officially announced that the universities will reopen from 1st August for the students who are already enrolled in different courses, while for the new batch the session will start in September. Though there are no notifications about the reopening of schools, Ramesh Pokhriyal said, “the health of our students is our key concern. The schools will be open only once the situation caused due to coronavirus is normalised.”

The HRD Minister also emphasised on e-learning and said that we also consider this time as an opportunity to work on our digital learning. “We should treat this situation as an opportunity and strengthen the digital infrastructure,” he said.

He further appealed teachers to adopt different online methods to connect with their students so that the process of learning doesn’t stop. The HRD Minister also spoke about various platforms such as SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, and Diksha, that can be used by the teachers to keep up with education.

Ramesh Pokhriyal also stressed on downloading the Aarogya Setu App so that everyone remains updated about the severity of the infection in their area and take necessary steps accordingly.