Bhubaneswar: As the Odisha government has closed all schools and Plus II colleges in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, efforts are on by the School and Mass Education Department to facilitate online study of courses to the students.
Talking to mediapersons here on Thursday, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash said due to the closure of the educational institutions, it has been decided that the students will now avail online study of different topics of the courses provided in the syllabuses.
Stating that out of around 60 lakh students, 22 lakh are availing online education, he said the department has formed an expert committee to provide it to the remaining students. The committee will submit a report in this connection in 10 days.
He also said that for those who are deprived of online education, steps are being taken to utilise the service of the teachers living in their areas to remain in touch with them.
The minister, however, pointed out that as the COVID-19 situation is likely to peak in July, the decision to reopen the schools will be taken after July 31.
Asked about the conduct of the remaining annual Plus II examinations, he said no decision has been taken in this regard.