The schools in Meghalaya may open soon. However, it will only be for students from Class 9 to Class 12.

The decision to reopen schools in the state is quite likely in the wake of the Unlock 4 guidelines announced by the Centre in the last week of August.

As part of the guidelines, schools can reopen from September 21. Teachers will be allowed to attend schools. However, students of the said classes are to visit their schools only on a voluntary basis and with written consent from their parents.

The Shillong Times quoted Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui saying on the possibility of reopening the schools as, "Since the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued the protocol for opening of institutions from September 21, we will allow teachers to go to school. The students can visit their schools subject to getting a written permission from their parents."

However, the schools will be subjected to certain SOPs designed by the state keeping in mind the local needs and requirements.

Commenting on this, the report quoted Principal Secretary Education, Donald P Wahlang as saying, "The Department is now preparing a separate SOP taking the local needs and requirements separately and would place it with the Cabinet next week. Only then would the dates be finalised. The Core committee formed had its meeting on Tuesday at DERT and the consultations would continue again next week."