It is understood that a meeting organized by General Education Minister V Sivankutty with representatives of several teachers’ associations ahead of the November 1 phased reopening of schools opted against obligatory attendance and uniform wearing in the initial phase. The administration had previously ruled that youngsters with health difficulties would not be allowed to attend offline sessions.

Parents and other eligible family members, in addition to teachers and school employees, should ensure that they are completely vaccinated against Covid before schools reopen. Representatives from 38 teachers’ associations attended the conference, according to a news release from the minister’s office. A second meeting with 19 youth organizations was convened to finalize plans. The meetings decided to organize a large cleaning campaign from October 20 to October 30.