West Bengal Schools likely to follow an "alternate model" after reopen, says education minister

Students of state-run schools in West Bengal are likely to attend classes on alternate days after they reopen, in order to observe social distancing norms. The schools will be asked to follow an "alternate model" and the department will ensure that classes take place adhering to social distancing norms, Education Minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters on Thursday.

Mr. Chatterjee said state-run schools are slated to



reopen after June 30. Private educational institutes are free to follow this schedule or they may go by their own timetable. However, the minister hinted that he expects private schools will follow the government's decision.

"If a state-run school and a private school are situated in the same locality, the same yardstick should be applied to both, as students of the same locality will face similar situation," Mr Chatterjee said.