Schools, colleges unlikely to open before July: Minister

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 29

Schools and colleges are unlikely to open before July, but the state government is considering more relaxations to industries and a revival of business activity in markets as a part of its lockdown exit plan after May 3.

CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday presided over a meeting in this regard at his residence which was attended by his Deputy Dushyant Singh Chautala and senior officers of various departments. The CM announced some relaxations for industry, including increasing shift duration from eight to 12 hours, subject to payment of overtime in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Dispute Act. He also hinted at more relaxations to the industry and business sector post May 3.

“We had thought we will be able to start the academic session in schools and colleges from June. But given the increasing number of Covid cases across the country, it seems highly unlikely. It is very difficult to maintain social distancing in educational institutions,” said Education Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar.

Dushyant, who also holds the portfolio of Industry Department, said the government was considering more relaxations to units and factories in non-containment zones so more industries could restart operations. He suggested opening of shops on odd-even pattern by giving them serial numbers. This, he said, will restart economic activity, while maintaining social distancing.

“If we don’t open shops, industrial units will not be interested to operate, since they will have no place to sell their goods,” said Dushyant.

The state government had on April 20 allowed industries to start operations in non-containment zones with depleted strength of workers. They were told to either provide accommodation to workers on their premises or arrange for their transport in buses while observing social distancing. However, few industrial units showed interest in the government’s offer because of the stringent conditions and SOPs.

In a videoconference with industry representatives on Tuesday, the government had hinted at some relaxations while the former too offered suggestions.