All reopened schools in Gadchiroli & Chandrapur shut again till July 31

Nagpur: Over 300 schools which had physically reopened in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts have again been shut down till July 31 in compliance with the Centre’s directives in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
TOI had reported how these two districts of Maharashtra had successfully reopened hundreds of schools, majority of them located in remote areas.
Gadchiroli collector Deepak Singla told TOI that he was complying with the central government orders. In a text message, Singla said, “The central guidelines have asked schools to remain closed.” He also issued an order which makes it clear that all schools, junior colleges and coaching classes must remain physically closed till July 31. Though, the order does clarify that teaching and non-teaching staff are still required to report for duty at school.
In neighbouring Chandrapur district too, similar order is being issued. District collector Kunal Khemnar confirmed to TOI that all schools will remain shut till July 31.
While both district collectors are complying with the central government guidelines, many teachers in remote parts of Naxalite-infested Gadchiroli have resolved to find other ways to keep education going.
A teacher at Gadchiroli zilla parishad school told TOI that ‘group study’ format will now be put back into action. “Before schools physically reopened, we would visit homes of our students and give them assignments and clarify their doubts. Now that mode of instruction will be back in full swing,” said the teacher.
TOI was the first to report about this unique approach of educating children amid the Covid lockdown.
Another teacher said it was crucial for children in Gadchiroli to continue with education. “If education stops, these children will drop out of formal education within a few months. To keep their interest going, we have to keep them engaged continuously,” said the teacher.
Both Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts had allowed reopening of schools after complying with Maharashtra government’s guidelines issued on June 15.