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Republican States Push to Remove Diversity from Schools, Government

May 16, 2025, 1:46 pm

GOP-run states are deepening their campaign to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, broadening their scope beyond higher education into wider government activities. The breadth of the initiative has grown stronger in recent years, especially since President Donald Trump fully supported the anti-DEI cause.

Under an analysis by the Associated Press based on the Plural bill-tracking tool, Republican lawmakers and governors have virtually doubled the number of anti-DEI measures this year over 2023, itself having doubled from the last year.

Trump’s administration has made executive orders aimed at DEI, with the ripple effects now being experienced at federal agencies, schools, and universities—despite ongoing legal fights. Shaun Harper, an associate professor at the University of Southern California and founder of the National DEI Defense Coalition, said, “The federal assaults on diversity, equity and inclusion from the Trump presidency have further made way for conservative state legislatures.” He continued, “We are witnessing the replication of the anti-DEI effort literally everywhere.”

Blueprint for the Movement

Most of the anti-DEI bills borrow from a four-phase plan formulated by right-wing policy groups—the Manhattan Institute and Goldwater Institute—a couple of years ago. Based on their example, which at first focused on universities, shutting down DEI departments, cancelling compulsory diversity sessions, prohibiting hiring DEI assertions, and suppressing racial or sex-based preferences on admissions and hire were among those proposed.

And now, Republican state governments are bringing these same concepts to state and city governments. “Even though the Trump administration has acted, the states can’t count on the federal government to eliminate DEI on their behalf,” Timothy Minella, senior fellow at the Goldwater Institute, explained.

What DEI Aims to Do

DEI programs have been prevalent in academia, business, and public institutions in an effort to build inclusive spaces. The advocates posit that these programs assist individuals in understanding each other despite varying in race, gender, culture, and experience. They are also designed to make students and employees from marginalized communities feel valued and supported.

To that effect, numerous DEI offices provide resources specific to individuals according to race, gender identity, sexuality, or disability. Processes of admissions, scholarship provision, and hiring frequently consider equity objectives to more accurately mirror society at large.

AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling indicates that while the phrase “DEI” is polarizing, standalone components—such as scholarships for students of color or classes in racism—are more accepted. The survey says roughly 4 in 10 Americans are in favor of DEI at colleges, 3 in 10 against, and another 3 in 10 are indifferent.

President Joe Biden has required DEI targets in a range of government initiatives, something which Trump has promised to undo. Trump and his supporters claim DEI erodes meritocracy, with critics calling it “new forms of racism.” The push to roll back DEI accelerated following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action in university admissions.

How States Define and Target DEI

There is no consistent definition of DEI from state to state, but the majority of anti-DEI bills target race, sex, gender, and ethnicity. A few states, such as Wyoming and Oklahoma, ban activities that provide “preferential or differential treatment” on those grounds.

Significantly, these initiatives tend to leave out populations like individuals with disabilities, veterans, and low-income individuals—populations also targeted by equity policies. “Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts go far beyond race, gender and sexuality, but it has been defined in ways that targets those populations and demonize those populations,” said Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.

Some Trump-era executive order-affected employees say DEI resistance is being used as pretext to summarily dismiss minorities and women. A federal employee class-action lawsuit contends the policies are discriminatory against anyone who is not a white male.

State and Governor Actions Escalate

Thus far, 24 states have enacted legislation or signed orders limiting DEI in government agencies and public universities since 2023. Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming are some of the top states at the forefront.

In Missouri, a bill to limit DEI in education was omitted from last year’s budget but re-introduced this year after Governor Mike Kehoe issued an order prohibiting DEI expenditures by state departments.

Governors are also increasingly assuming leadership roles. In January, newly elected West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey banned DEI hiring and activities involving race- or gender-based preference. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also did so a day later. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, already having curtailed DEI expenditures in universities, further expanded his initiative this year, saying the nation should maintain a “color-blind guarantee.” His directive also termed DEI policies as “blatant efforts to divide people” and condemned them for bringing “new forms of racism.”

What’s Next: Expanding to Curricula

A new Idaho law, signed into effect by Governor Brad Little, makes history by legislating about college coursework. It prohibits DEI offices and prohibits colleges from mandating DEI-themed classes except when the student is a race or gender studies major.

It’s the first such law in the country, according to the Goldwater Institute. Written in conjunction with Speech First, the model is dubbed the “Freedom from Indoctrination Act.”

Our aim is to eliminate the DEI requirements for general education and programs to earn a degree,” declared Minella, underscoring the larger objective to transform public schooling and government operations according to anti-DEI ideology.

Are Schools Open Today? Full List of States That Declared Holiday on May 8

May 9, 2025, 2:25 am

With tensions running high between India and Pakistan, several northern Indian states have announced emergency measures, including blackouts, closure of schools, and calling off official leaves.

The reason for these increased security measures was Pakistan’s failed attack at three Indian military bases. The attack was foiled by Indian defence forces and no damage was inflicted, but there were big explosions heard in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and a number of other towns in J&K and Punjab.

Border States on High Alert

Punjab, which borders Pakistan along a 532-km stretch, has become a key area. The state has suspended all leaves for police and closed schools in six border districts: Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran. Blackouts were also imposed Thursday night in districts such as Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.

“All districts near the border have been placed on high alert,” said Punjab minister Aman Arora. “The role of the Punjab government becomes extremely crucial during any military tension.”

Haryana, which shares borders with Delhi, has also done the same by cancelling leaves of police officers and health department officials. Officials have ordered all officers to stay at their respective district headquarters, prepared for any situation.

The Delhi government has also cancelled leave for all staff and started preparedness exercises in districts. District magistrates are assessing health and disaster preparedness in the national capital.

Rajasthan Beefs up Security with Holiday in Schools

Rajasthan, with a border of more than 1,000 km with foreign countries, has enforced strict blackouts in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur between 9 pm and 4 am. Five western districts have shut schools and red alerts have been sounded in Sri Ganganagar. Drone flying and firecrackers have been prohibited in various places, while flight services at Bikaner, Kishangarh, and Jodhpur airports have been suspended until May 10.

Gujarat, with land and sea borders along Pakistan, has cancelled leave for the police and raised security along its coast. Coastal districts such as Jamnagar, Morbi, and Devbhumi Dwarka have been put on high alert by law enforcement agencies, who have asked local villagers to inform them if they see anything suspicious at boat landings or isolated villages.

Cyclone Fengal : Schools and Colleges Closed in Puducherry

December 3, 2024, 6:32 am

The Puducherry government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Tuesday, December 3. Heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal prompted this decision, announced by Education Minister A Namachivayam.

Financial Help for Affected Families

Chief Minister N Rangaswamy announced ₹5,000 relief for all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone. He explained, “Due to cyclone Fengal, Puducherry received 48% rainfall, which was unexpected. The Puducherry government has decided to provide relief assistance of ₹5,000 to all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone.”

Aid for Farmers and Fishermen

Cyclone Fengal damaged 10,000 hectares of crops in Puducherry. The government will compensate affected farmers with ₹30,000 per hectare.

The floods also harmed the fishing community. Fifty boats were damaged. The government announced ₹10,000 per boat for repairs.

Severe Flooding in Coastal Areas

The cyclone caused heavy rains in north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Sankaraparani River overflowed, flooding over 200 homes in NR Nagar. Residents in these areas remain stranded.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

Rescue teams, including the Indian Army and NDRF, are working round the clock. They are using boats to navigate flooded streets and evacuate stranded people.

Cyclone Fengal has left a trail of destruction. The government is taking steps to provide relief and support recovery efforts.

Psychological regulation: How can students manage their emotions?

August 14, 2024, 3:41 am

All of us have been there—the burden of the next exam, the pile of tasks that never seems to end, the expectations. For many students, education is not just a process of learning but a process of searching and becoming. However, this path can be a really thin line between academic achievement and mental health.

Stress in school can be attributed to a number of causes. Family, social pressure, and the growing pressure to get into the best college also play a part in pushing students to perform well academically. Internal pressures, which stem from a student’s drive to succeed and perfectionism, only add to the problem. Fortunately, this is not entirely true, and students are not completely helpless in this case. Here are some key strategies:
Prioritisation and Organisation: Staying busy and never having a chance to take a break because of the never-ending list of things to do could be more productive. It is suggested that developing the study schedule, identifying priorities, and setting realistic goals can help decrease the level of anxiety.

Time Management: Time management is one of the most important things that one must learn. Understanding the most productive hours in a day and setting time for study can enable students to do more within less time, hence lessening the pressure of the ticking clock.
Building a Support System: It is always helpful to talk to someone close to you or a school counsellor so that you can release tension and gain a different perspective on the problem.
Healthy Habits: The health of the body should be preserved at all times. Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep can greatly improve the quality of life and the functioning of the brain.
Mindfulness Techniques: Meditation and deep breathing exercises assist students in being conscious of their feelings and finding constructive ways of controlling stress and anxiety.
Positive Self-Talk: One can change negative thoughts to positive ones to increase self-confidence and self-acceptance. Perceiving threats as opportunities to develop resilience is more helpful than perceiving threats as threats.

A Journey of Learning, Not Scoring!
Parents and educators play significant roles in the moulding of children and ensuring that they embrace a positive attitude towards emotions as well as academic achievements. Education is a wonderful adventure, and it should not be reduced to an unrelenting quest for scores. The pressure that comes with academic achievement can be well handled. A student’s welfare is of utmost importance because it is the cornerstone to success in both academic and personal life.

The author is an emotional intelligence and personality development coach.

Haryana Schools To Replace ‘Good Morning’ With ‘Jai Hind’ Greeting

August 10, 2024, 2:28 pm

Starting this Independence Day, August 15, the greeting ‘Good Morning’ will be replaced by ‘Jai Hind’ in all Haryana schools, according to a government circular. This initiative by the Haryana government aims to instill patriotism and national pride among students, as stated by the Directorate of School Education in a circular issued on Thursday.

‘Jai Hind,’ coined by Subhas Chandra Bose during India’s freedom struggle, has been adopted by the armed forces as a salute after Independence. The circular, sent to all district education officers, principals, and headmasters, emphasizes that this change will inspire students with the spirit of national unity and respect for India’s rich history.

The patriotic greeting ‘Jai Hind’ is intended to encourage students to appreciate the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and promote unity among students from diverse backgrounds by transcending regional, linguistic, and cultural differences.

The circular highlights that regular use of greetings like ‘Jai Hind’ will inculcate a sense of discipline and uniformity among students. It also acknowledges that ‘Jai Hind’ is already used by the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police forces, known for their disciplined service.

Incorporating traditional greetings into daily routines promotes cultural heritage and respect for national traditions. The greeting ‘Jai Hind’ serves as an inspirational and motivational reminder to students of their potential to contribute to the nation’s progress, encouraging young Indians to contribute positively to India’s development.

Delhi Schools Closed Today Due to Heavy Rain, Waterlogging, and Traffic Issues

August 1, 2024, 4:41 am

Delhi Education Minister Atishi has announced that all schools in the capital will be closed on Thursday due to the severe rain and resulting waterlogging. The decision follows a heavy downpour on Wednesday evening that caused significant water accumulation and traffic disruptions throughout the city.

The relentless rain has led to widespread flooding and significant traffic jams, severely impacting the city’s infrastructure. Vehicles have been stranded on submerged roads, and many key routes are blocked, creating widespread chaos. Weather forecasts indicate that moderate rainfall will continue on Thursday, exacerbating the existing conditions.

The torrential rain has led to the issuance of the highest ‘red’ warning by the weather office, which has also flagged Delhi as an area of concern in its National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin. Residents are advised to stay indoors, secure their homes, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Additionally, at least 10 flights arriving at Delhi Airport were diverted due to the adverse weather, with eight rerouted to Jaipur and two to Lucknow. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported substantial rainfall across various city locations: Safdarjung recorded 79.2 mm, Mayur Vihar 119 mm, Delhi University 77.5 mm, Pusa 66.5 mm, and Palam 43.7 mm between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Delhi Government Schools Implement Daily Teaching Quality Checks As Classes Resume

July 2, 2024, 11:56 am

The Directorate of Education in the National Capital Territory of Delhi has issued a circular to all government schools, emphasizing the need for well-maintained infrastructure and quality teaching as schools reopened on Monday following a two-month summer break.

According to the circular dated June 28, school principals are required to actively monitor the quality of teaching by observing at least one class taught by one teacher daily. Weekly reports based on these observations are to be submitted to their respective zone Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs), either through personal attendance in classes or interaction with students.

Dr. Anita Vats, Deputy Director of Education for School, emphasized in the circular, “…It is very important that the schools are fully prepared for healthy teaching-learning activities. Few good things at the start of the session would set up the school environment for the entire session.”

The DDEs have been instructed to promptly address any deficiencies noted in the reports. The inspection branch, under the DDEs, has been directed to include ‘daily class observation by school heads’ in the mandatory school inspection format.

This initiative aims to enhance pedagogical effectiveness across schools.

Furthermore, school administrators are tasked with ensuring clean and well-maintained facilities, including dust-free desks, hygienic toilets, and tidy, decorated corridors. Staff presence at entry and exit points is also mandated to ensure the safe dispersal of students.

Oklahoma Orders To Teach Bible In Public Schools

June 28, 2024, 4:59 pm

Superintendent Ryan Walters, on Thursday, has ordered that the Bible be taught in public school classes for students aged 11-18 in Oklahoma, United States. Walters argues that understanding the Bible is essential for learning about American history and culture. Critics, including Rachel Laser from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, oppose this mandate. They argue it promotes Christian Nationalism and violates the separation of church and state by imposing religious beliefs in public education. The Interfaith Alliance also criticizes the directive, seeing it as forcing religious views on students and threatening religious freedom.

In states like Louisiana, new laws require public schools to show the Ten Commandments written in Bible, which has sparked legal fights arguing it violates religious freedom protections in the First Amendment. Previous Supreme Court decisions have rejected similar displays in public places for being too religious and lacking a secular purpose. Similar arguments are expected in challenges against Louisiana’s law.

The Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham (1980) set an example highlighting constitutional concerns. It ruled against a Kentucky law that wanted to display the Ten Commandments in schools, stating it was too religious and lacked a secular purpose. Similar arguments are likely in challenges against Louisiana’s requirement.

Walters defended his directive by criticizing what he sees as secular agendas removing religious values from public life. He accused critics of promoting disharmonious ideologies in education, contrasting them with what he considers foundational biblical values.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates in the US about religion in public institutions and how religious freedom is understood. It could lead to legal challenges that shape how religion is expressed in education while maintaining state neutrality.

Schools in Doda closed after heavy rainfall

July 19, 2023, 2:14 pm

Due to the heavy rain, all government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district were closed to students on Wednesday.

“It has been decided that all Government/Private schools in District Doda will remain closed for students on July 19 for the well-being of our students in light of the inclement weather conditions,” announced DC Doda. Meanwhile, torrential rains in Jammu and Kashmir have resulted in landslides in various locations.

According to an official, the National Highway-44 in Ramban district was closed on Wednesday owing to shooting stones and mud slush.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban said on Twitter that NH-44 was closed in various sections due to mud slush and shooting stones and that people should avoid travelling till road clearing work was completed.

“The NH-44 is closed in some places due to mud slush and shooting stones.” People are urged to avoid travelling until road clearance efforts are completed,” Deputy Commissioner Ramban tweeted.

Earlier today, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police reported a roadblock due to clearance operations.

“Traffic update at 8:00 AM, NHW blocked at various places due to two mudslides/shooting stones. People are advised not to travel till the restoration work is completed,” tweeted J&K Traffic Police.

Know the list of Delhi schools that will remain close on tuesday

July 17, 2023, 1:33 pm

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has issued an official notification notifying the closing and reopening of schools in various districts of the national capital due to the Yamuna’s falling water level.

The Directorate of Education in Delhi issued a list of schools that would stay closed on July 17 and 18 due to relief camps or as a precautionary measure due to waterlogging on Sunday. It also published a list of all MCD, MCD-aided, and Recognized schools that will open on July 17.

According to the statement, all MCD schools (save those indicated below) will reopen on July 17 (Monday) due to the Yamuna River’s lowering water level.

“However, on account of Relief camps functional in the below listed School Buildings and as a precautionary measure in others due to waterlogging shall remain close on July 17 and 18,” added the official statement.

According to the statement, MCPS Palla (Girls) Narela Zone, MCPS Jahangirpuri R-Block Civil Lines Zone, MCPS Jahangirpuri EE-Block Civil Lines Zone, MCPS Jahangirpuri F&G-Block Civil Lines Zone, MCPS Zakir Nagar Hindi/Urdu Central Zone, MCPS Nangli Razapur Central Zone, and others would be closed on July 17 and 18.

According to the notification, the following schools would be closed on July 17 and 18 due to flooding or precautionary measures: MCPS Inderpuri Karol Bagh Zone, MCPS Sewa Nagar-N Block Central Zone, MCPS Lajpat Nagar-I Central Zone, and MCPS Wazirabad Works Civil Lines Zone.

Teachers would work from home and give classes online in all of the listed schools that will stay closed, according to the statement.

“In all above listed schools, teachers shall work from home and conduct classes through online mode of teaching during the regular school hours. All HoS/Incharges are further directed to assess the ground-level situation of their schools and if apprehension arises of flooding and endanger the safety of the students, as the situation warrants, may close the schools under prior intimation to the Zonal head,” said the MCD statement.

Patna: All academic institutions to remain closed till 18 June

June 12, 2023, 4:56 pm

On Monday, the Patna administration ordered to close all schools in district until 18 June due to a severe heat wave in the city, as per the official statement.

The order applies to all the private and government schools, including pre-schools and Anganwari centres in Patna, it said.

According to a circular from Patna District Magistrate, the order will come into force with effect from today and will remain effective till next Sunday, i.e., 18 June.

“Dr. Chandra Shekhar Singh, DM, Patna, under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, does hereby prohibit the academic activities of all the private and government schools of Patna District up to Class XII till 18 June, 2023,” as per the circular.

Several parts of the country are grappling with severe heatwave conditions.

SC serve notice to Delhi Govt regarding teachers training in finland

April 17, 2023, 4:29 pm

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the office of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on a plea of the Delhi government against LG’s approval with riders to send government school teachers to Finland for training and prohibiting teachers from receiving foreign training in the future.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala sought a response from the office of LG on the Delhi government’s plea. Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Delhi government, told the bench that it is clear that LG cannot take an independent decision in this regard and he can’t say that no such Finland training will be there in future.

In wake of the LG prohibiting government school teachers from receiving foreign training in the future and approving riders to send them to Finland for training, the Delhi government has approached the apex court seeking direction to the LG to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.On March 4, LG cleared some of the teachers for the Finland programme but was mandated against such exercises in future.
The plea sought direction for affirmation of the proposal sent by the Delhi government’s State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to send primary in-charge teachers at government schools in the national capital for training to Finland in the months of December 2022 and March 2023.

It further sought the quashing of LG’s order dated March 4, 2023, which was passed after an inordinate delay, thereby rendering the proposal completely infructuous.
The plea sought direction to “Set aside the order passed by LG on March 4, 2023, and affirm the proposal of the SCERT, Delhi government October 18, 2022.”

“The elected Government of the NCT of Delhi is constrained to file the present petition due to the unwarranted and deliberate delay caused by the Lieutenant Governor in approving the proposal sent by the SCERT to send primary in-charge teachers of government schools in Delhi for teacher’s training to Finland in the months of December 2022 and March 2023,” said the plea.

Additionally, LG’s observations seek to place an effective embargo upon conducting such programs in the future, the Delhi government said.
The Arvind Kejriwal led-AAP party government said that even though the aforesaid proposal was first submitted to the LG in October 2022, it was only approved — subject to several amendments and conditions — five months later i.e. on March 4, 2023, when it had become infructuous.

Allahabad HC Orders Private Schools To Give 15% Discount On Fees Of Online Academic Year

January 17, 2023, 1:43 pm

As a tremendous help for guardians, the Allahabad High Court has coordinated that all private schools in the state are ordered to give a 15 percent discount on the complete fees charged during the Coronavirus time frame in the year 2020-21.

The HC’s order on Monday came on a request recorded by the parents about the policy of school fees kept during the covid time frame. A division seat of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Judge JJ Munir has guided the schools to make changes in the following session for fees taken during the 2020-21 scholarly year.

Likewise, for the students who have left the school, the establishment should return 15% of the charges gathered in the year 2020-21, the order expressed. For this, the HC has given the schools two months to finish the exchange.
The parents had urged the high court that no assistance and facilities aside from online education were given by the private schools in the year 2020-21. Hence charging even a solitary rupee more than the educational expenses is only exploitative and commercialization of training, the supplication said.

The petitioners also cited the recent judgment of the Supreme Court in Indian School, Jodhpur versus the State of Rajasthan in support of their contention. The apex court has held that private schools demanding fees without providing any services amounts to profiteering and the commercialization of education.

Varanasi schools from classes 1-8 to remain closed till 4 January

January 2, 2023, 1:12 pm

Due to the severe cold wave in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi all schools from classes 1 to 8 will remain closed till 4 January. District Magistrate S Rajalingam on Monday said, “All schools from classes 1 to 8 will remain closed. Along with this, Anganwadi centers will also remain closed. The school closure order will apply to all primary schools, CBSE board, ICSE board, Madarsa board, etc. Meanwhile, the recognized schools in Lucknow will function between 10 am and 2 pm till 10 January.

Wearing of mask compulsory at Uttarakhand’s private, government schools

December 29, 2022, 11:58 am

Amid Covid-19 concerns in a private school in Uttarakhand wearing masks has been made mandatory by the Uttarakhand government. “Students, teachers, and other employees of private and government schools will have to come wearing masks and use sanitizer-thermal screening,” Uttarakhand Director General of Education Bansidhar Tiwari said. Meanwhile, all the principals of all private and government schools’ instructions have been sent.

Schools shut in Sri Lanka as Mandous cyclonic storm raises pollution

December 9, 2022, 3:27 pm

High air pollution levels forced the closure of schools across Sri Lanka on Friday as a Mandous cyclonic storm swept by its coast, bringing heavy rain and gusts. It is expected to make landfall on India’s southeast coast at around midnight.

As cyclone “Mandous” neared, authorities despatched around 400 disaster relief workers to the state of Tamil Nadu and advised residents to stock up on necessities and get ready to evacuate to shelters.

As the cyclone drew pollution from neighbouring India, the sky in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, and other cities darkened and occasionally rained. As a result, health officials advised the elderly and young to stay inside.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said ‘Mandous’ has weakened from an earlier severe category, but warned that a storm surge of about 0.5 metre above the high tide was likely to inundate low-lying coastal areas of northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry when the cyclone makes landfall.

IMD warned that coastal populations were likely to have damage to thatched, mud dwellings, power and communication lines, and other infrastructure due to the heavy to extremely heavy rainfall that was anticipated in those areas as well as further north along the beaches of Andhra Pradesh state.

As the cyclone moves away from Sri Lanka, the air quality there is likely to improve during Friday and Saturday, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said in a statement.

50 students fall ill after taking iron pills in schools in Assam

November 27, 2022, 11:20 am

Officials said that altogether 50 students of two schools in Assam’s Charaideo district were taken ill on Saturday purportedly after consuming iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets provided by Health department workers.

The students were taken to the Sonari Civil Hospital, where they were treated and discharged later.

The officials said a health workers’ team from Batau sub-centre under Patsaku Block primary health centre distributed IFA tablets to 75 students of Kheranipathar Lower Primary School and 26 students of Nimalia Lower Primary School.

The students were warned not to take the tablets on an empty stomach when the medications were given out in front of the teachers.

The health team eventually learned from the school administration that two students from each school were vomiting and experiencing abdominal pain.

“They were immediately taken to Sonari Civil Hospital and further health intervention. Later, 48 more children were taken to the hospital for examination,” a source said.

A health department release said the situation is being closely monitored.

The government provides IFA tablets to students as an iron-folic acid supplement.

Delhi, Noida schools to reopen

November 9, 2022, 10:37 am

Considering the improvement in the city’s air quality, Delhi and Noida schools are scheduled to reopen on 9 November.

Earlier on 7 November, the Delhi government announced plans to reopen schools and asked its 50 percent of staff to work from home.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “It has been decided to lift the curbs imposed under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan in compliance with the direction of the Commission for Air Quality Management. Primary schools will reopen from November 9 and the order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home is being revoked.”

Due to increased air pollution, the schools of Noida were shut down till class 8 and were shifted to online mode.

However, after observing the air quality, the meeting was held by District Magistrate, G.B.Nagar and they decided to reopen schools.

Primary schools in Delhi will be closed beginning tomorrow

November 4, 2022, 12:33 pm

Primary schools in Delhi will be closed beginning tomorrow due to rising air pollution levels throughout the city. Arvind Kejriwal, along with Punjab Chief Minister, made the decision during a press conference on Friday, November 4.

The national capital region’s schools will remain closed until the air quality improves. Along with the schools, all outdoor activities for all grades above Class 5 will be closed.

The Delhi Chief Minister stated at the conference that they are taking all necessary steps to control the pollution situation. He also emphasised the importance of considering whether the odd-even vehicle scheme should be implemented.

However, no date has been set for the reopening of the schools. It is expected to be announced as Delhi’s air quality improves.

Meanwhile, in response to rising air pollution, Noida schools have decided to implement online classes throughout the city. In response to rising air pollution, all schools in the Gautam Budh Nagar district will conduct mandatory online classes for students from class 1 to class 8 until November 8th.

Assam government intends to invest 5,000 crore in school infrastructure

October 31, 2022, 12:14 pm

The state government of Assam has announced plans to improve facilities in 1,000 government schools and transform them into “new-age” schools in an ambitious move to overhaul infrastructure.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister, announced the decision on Sunday after inspecting facilities at five schools in Guwahati, including one where he previously studied.

“Government schools in Assam started as small buildings with additional classrooms added in separate blocks over years, which took up open spaces. Our objective would be to put all classrooms in one building and keep the rest of the area for playgrounds and other activities,” Sarma said.

Sonaram Higher Secondary School, Cotton Collegiate Government Higher Secondary School, Kamrup Academy, Tarini Choudhury Government Girls Higher Secondary and Middle Primary School, and Gopal Boro Government Higher Secondary School were all visited by the Chief Minister.

Sarma attended Kamrup Academy, which was founded in 1930. Following an inspection of his alma mater, the CM stated that the school building will be reconstructed and a new auditorium will be built soon.

“We want to transform our government schools into new-age institutions. For those schools which are over 100 years old and want to preserve the buildings, we will help them,” he said.

Sarma stated that the state government will reconstruct buildings and install playgrounds in 1,000 schools over the next few years, with a budget of 5,000 crores. Guwahati will have ten such schools.

In the coming weeks, the chief minister is also expected to inspect five more schools in the city.

In addition to renovating existing schools, the government intends to build 4,500 new ones in the coming years to match the facilities provided by private institutions.