COVID-19, Schools for 9th, 10th and 11th Standards Ordered to be Closed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, issued G.O. Ms. No. 326, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV), dated 20th March 2021, closing schools and hostels for students in Classes 9, 10 and 11 from 22nd March 2021 until further orders, while allowing online and digital education to continue. The order amended G.O. (Ms.) No. 318, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM IV) Department, dated 28th February 2021, and allowed specified Class 10 examinations, special classes and related hostel operations.
What the notification does
G.O. Ms. No. 326, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV), dated 20th March 2021, was issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It responded to an increasing trend in COVID-19 cases and the public health recommendation that in-person classes should not continue for students in Classes 9, 10 and 11.
The notification also added a provision under the prohibited activities caption in G.O. (Ms.) No. 318, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM IV) Department, dated 28th February 2021.
Who was affected
The closure requirements applied to schools conducting Classes 9, 10 and 11 and to hostels serving those students. Students, parents, school managements and hostel operators were directly affected.
Class 12 students were not included in the closure direction. The source records the view of the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine that Class 12 could continue because student numbers would be lower and students had to face the Board Examination, subject to strict compliance with standard operating procedures.
The notification concerns school and hostel operations during COVID-19. It does not set out any provision concerning land ownership, property transactions or land use.
Key provisions
- Schools had to close in-person classes for Classes 9, 10 and 11 from 22nd March 2021 until further orders.
- Online and digital education could continue for Classes 9, 10 and 11.
- Hostels for students in Classes 9, 10 and 11 had to close.
- Class 10 Board Examinations conducted by boards other than the Tamil Nadu State Board could proceed according to those boards' schedules.
- Special classes could be conducted for students appearing for those permitted Class 10 Board Examinations.
- Hostels could function for students attending those examinations and special classes.
Background recorded in the notification
Earlier government orders had permitted schools to reopen for Classes 10 and 12 from 19th January 2021, and for Classes 9 and 11 from 8th February 2021. Hostels for those students had also been permitted. The later closure followed public health advice given as COVID-19 cases increased.
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Common questions
Did schools have to close for all students?
No. G.O. Ms. No. 326 directed closure of schools for Classes 9, 10 and 11 from 22nd March 2021 until further orders. The notification did not include Class 12 in that closure direction.
Could students in Classes 9, 10 and 11 continue studying online?
Yes. Online and digital education for Classes 9, 10 and 11 was expressly allowed to continue.
Were all Class 10 Board Examinations cancelled?
No. Class 10 Board Examinations conducted by boards other than the Tamil Nadu State Board were allowed to proceed as scheduled by those boards, along with special classes and hostel facilities for participating students.
Does this notification affect land or property rights?
No land or property provisions are set out in the notification. It addresses COVID-19 restrictions for schools, classes, examinations and student hostels.
