Uniforms not mandatory as schools in Goa open on February 21

The Directorate of Education (DoE) on Friday issued a circular stating that school uniforms will not be mandatory and concession in timings may be given to students in the initial days when physical classes resume for grades 1 to 12 in Goa from February 21 after the coronavirus-induced break.

In a circular, Director of Education Bhushan Savaikar said, "As educational institutions under this directorate are allowed to open with effect from February 21, heads of all government, government-aided, primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools, including pre-primary schools are hereby directed to follow suggestions for smooth functioning of the schools by following all health protocols and SOPs strictly."

"Timing concession, if required, may be given to students in initial days. The circular said exams should be held in offline mode only and school uniforms should not be insisted upon by authorities," Savaikar said in the circular.

The Education Department has ordered the reopening of all schools, including pre-primary ones, from Monday, February 21.

Savaikar said the decision to reopen the schools has been taken in view of a downward trend in COVID-19 cases in the state.