Gujarat to reopen pre-schools, anganwadis from Feb 17 after nearly two years 

As the Covid-19 cases in the state decline, Gujarat has decided to reopen its anganwadi centres from February 17, preschools and kindergartens after almost two years. 

The Gujarat government has decided to allow the anganwadi centres, preschools and kindergartens for reopening statewide from Thursday after almost two years post the Covid-19 pandemic amidst a decline in fresh cases in the state. As Covid-19 cases decreased in the state, the Gujarat government recently permitted schools for pupils in Classes 1 to 9 to reopen.

Education Minister Jitu Vaghani informed on Monday that this decision was taken by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel post reviewing the Covid-19 situation.

Speaking to reporters in Gandhinagar, the education minister said, "This is for the first time in the last two years because of the pandemic when pre-schools and anganwadis will be reopened."

As the coronavirus-induced lockdown was imposed in Gujarat, all the educational institutions across the state were asked to stop holding physical classes in their premises after March 2020.

The state government had allowed schools and colleges to reopen and resume physical classes as the Covid-19 situation improved in the state, but considering the safety of toddlers, pre-schools and anganwadis remained shut.

"The chief minister has given a go-ahead to reopen pre-schools, kindergartens, and anganwadis in Gujarat from February 17. They remained shut for almost two years," said the education minister.

He went on to add that parents' consent will be required for sending children to pre-schools, kindergartens and anganwadis.