Delhi Schools Reopening: Decision Likely in Next DDMA Meeting. Check Latest Update Here

New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday said that a decision on reopening schools in the national capital will be taken up in the next DDMA meeting. Schools and colleges in Delhi will continue to remain closed until then, officials said on Thursday. The decision was taken at a meeting headed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. He, however, postponed the decision to reopen schools for the next meeting.Also Read – Delhi COVID Situation Under Control, City to Record Less Than 5,000 Cases Today, Says Jain | Key Points

During the meeting, the Delhi government, for its part recommended reopening of schools saying it was necessary to prevent further damage to the social and economic well-being of children as the COVID-19 situation in the capital has improved. “The issue of reopening of schools will be taken up in the next meeting of DDMA,” a senior official said. Also Read – VIDEO: Woman Gang-Raped, Hair Chopped & Paraded With Blackened Face in Delhi; 4 Arrested

Asserting that online education can never replace classroom studies, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the government had closed schools when it was not safe for children, but excessive caution was harming them. A delegation of parents led by Chandrakant Lahariya, an epidemiologist and public policy specialist, had earlier met Sisodia and submitted a memorandum signed by over 1,600 parents demanding that the schools be reopened. Also Read – Over Half of Delhi Citizens Want Weekend Curfew to Continue, Reveals Survey

Though the schools were briefly reopened, they were shut again on December 28 last year in view of the third wave of COVID-19 driven by the Omicron variant. “Today’s decision is deeply disappointing. The DDMA chairperson (lieutenant governor) and members should publicly disclose the reasons for keeping schools closed but allowing everything else, particularly when every expert body has recommended it,” said Tanya Agarwal, a lawyer who has been vocal about the reopening of schools.

Weekend curfew, odd-even system for shops lifted

In view of an improving coronavirus situation, the DDMA has decided to lift weekend curfew and odd-even system of opening non-essential shops in the city besides permitting restaurants and bars to reopen with 50% seating capacity. The government offices have also been allowed to reopen with 50% staff, they said.

Another decision taken at the meeting was to allow marriage ceremonies with maximum 200 guests in open areas and up to 50% capacity at indoor venues. So far, only 20 people were allowed to attend these events at home. The night curfew imposed on weekdays from 10 pm to 5 am will continue. The meeting also decided for strict enforcement and enhancement of Covid appropriate behaviour and other guidelines to check rise in cases.

(With inputs from agency)