NEW DELHI: Although the central government had made it clear that the state governments can make decisions regarding opening schools and coaching centers in a phased manner depending on the Covid situation, concerned authorities hinted that schools cannot be opened immediately in Kerala as the state continued to report a high number of Covid cases.

Education Minister V Sivankutty also said that the phased opening of schools will be considered only after vaccinating the children and obtaining the nod of the central government.

Replying to a question by Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha yesterday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the states should decide on the opening of schools after discussing with the management of the educational institutions. He also said that gatherings in schools should be subject to local restrictions. The minister also said that states such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Nagaland, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh have either opened schools or are planning to open schools immediately.

With the lockdown relaxations in the state limited to the Onam season, it is unlikely that the next Covid review meeting will give the green light for the reopening of schools. If the number of Covid patients decreases, a decision on this is likely to be taken in September. Minister V Sivankutty had told the assembly on Monday morning that the government was ready to open schools in phases if the central government gives its approval. The minister said that all facilities in schools will be prepared for this. This was followed by the announcement of the central government. Minister V Sivankutty later clarified that the reopening of schools could be considered only after vaccinating the children and obtaining the nod of the central government. The decision will be taken on the recommendation of the central government and the Covid expert committee.