Shillong, Jan 25: Despite the importance of offline classes, schools in Shillong agglomerate are forced to continue online classes for Class I to XII due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the city. However, classes in rural areas have been allowed in offline mode.

Speaking on the Education department’s notification for continuing online classes for schools in the Shillong agglomeration in view of the prevailing situation in the state, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday said, “Classroom education must return. We have lived with this Covid situation for the last two years. Children are empowered enough both psychologically and mentally to prepare to go to the classroom and learn what they are supposed to learn and not only be prisoners of this Covid situation in the state.”

At the same time, the vaccine is now being administered for 15 years and above. However, Rymbui lamented that the response from the stakeholders is still very poor.

Even so, he said the department will soon review whether to resume offline classes for schools in the Shillong agglomeration. “…the situation will be reviewed in a few days or weeks on whether we will resume the offline classes or not,” he informed.

For the rural areas, the Minister said although offline classes have been allowed, the district administration and governing body have been empowered to deal with the situation, as necessary.

With regards to the board examinations, he said that routines have been issued and exams will go on as per schedule.