In an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 within the state, the Uttar Pradesh state government has today, January 16, 2022, announced the closure of schools and colleges. This closure shall remain in place till place January 23, 2022. Oddly enough, the state government did not issue any official notice announcing the closure. The news came in the form of a tweet by Navneet Sehgal, a member of the state government. Sehgal issued a tweet in reply to rajeev Mullick, a special correspondent from Hindustan Times.
Who is Navneet Sehgal?
Navneet Sehgal is part of the Uttar Pradesh government and is currently, functioning as an Additional Chief Secretary, Information in the department of MSME, Export Promotion, Khadi & Village Industry. While the government is yet to make an official announcement, Sehgal provided a confirmation regarding the closure.
Initially, the state government had decided on closing all educational institutions till January 16, 022. This decision was taken in light of the Omicorn virus and rising cases in the state. While the government anticipated a decrease in daily infections, the exact opposite occurred, prompting the state government to extend the closure by a week, to January 23, 2022.
While educational institutes will remain shut, online education shall continue in full-swing like before. Classes and test will be conducted through the online mode for all schools and colleges within the state. This setting shall remain till the situation stabilises.
Additionally, the state government had decided on shutting schools only till Class 8. However, the recent extension in closure will be applicable to all educational institutions. Even Class 10 and 12 students will have to attend lectures online, as opposed to hybrid fashion before.
Some states had decided on shutting down schools for all except Class 10 and 12 students. This was done keeping in mind, the upcoming board exams 2021-22. Initially, UP government had the same thought-process. However, the rising number of daily COVID-19 infections has apparently, changed their mindset.
Some students are now having doubts about the upcoming UP Board Class 10 and 12 2021-22 exams. As of now, board exams are scheduled in the February-March 2022 period. However, with this new decision in-place, some reports suggest that board exams will be held once the situation stabilises. So, if the situation stabilises soon, board exams will be held as per schedule. However, students cannot entirely deny the possibility of exams getting postponed to the April-May 2022 period. While these are mere speculations, the UP government is likely to take a decision.
