Will stop schools, exams if required: Karnataka education minister

Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh on Monday informed that the government would stop exams and schools if the situation arose. The clarification comes amidst rising covid cases among school and college students across the state, including the students and staff of a medical college in Hubballi-Dharwad and residential schools in Bengaluru rural, Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru.

However, experts have opined that there is no problem in holding regular offline classes, the Minister said. He also urged people not to panic as it would impact the academic activities of children.

"We will not backtrack if a need arises to stop exams and schools. However, in the present situation, all the experts are of the opinion that there is no problem," Nagesh said.

The government is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation on an hourly basis. The government will make alternative arrangements to avoid any problems, he added.

"If required we will stop exams. However, the Standard Operating Procedure is maintained very strictly in the exams because we make sitting arrangements maintaining physical distance," Nagesh said.

"There is no need for people to panic because this year we started regular schools after a year of lockdown. In case schools are shut again then it will be difficult to bring back children to the classes," Nagesh said.

In case COVID-19 impacts children's health, the department will take strict measures, the Minister assured parents.