States To Decide If Schools Require Parents' Consent For Physical Classes

Many parents and teachers have been demanding that schools be reopened for physical classes as online classes have been found to be inadequate.

States will decide whether schools are required to ask for consent from parents for physical classes, revised guidelines for health and safety protocols issued by the government said. Group activities in music, games, sports and arts may be allowed in accordance with the standard operating procedures issued by states, it said. 

Many parents and teachers have been demanding that schools be reopened for physical classes as online classes have been found to be inadequate. Reliance on access to the internet and smart devices has also severely impacted students from financially backward groups and other vulnerable sections with many experts going so far as to call it a "lost generation". 

The phrase "social distancing" will now be replaced with "physical distancing". The former phrase had triggered a date when it came into official use as many felt it had negative connotations that could impact social solidarity at a time of a crisis. 

Gathering and congregations of students have also been allowed as per SOP issued by states.