As per the new guidelines, the Odisha government has stated that schools, colleges, and other educational institutes in the state will remain closed till October 31. Further, the guidelines also state that schools and colleges will focus on online and distance learning.

Schools and colleges have permitted to hold academic, competitive, and entrance exams in the state along with the evaluation and other related administrative activities.

The School and Mass Education Department and Higher Education Department can allow teaching and non-teaching staff to the schools for online teaching, telephonic-counseling, and related work.

The Odisha government also stated in the guidelines that research scholars and postgraduate students of technical and professional courses can be allowed to visit their institutions for laboratory or experimental works in consultation with MHA, based on the assessment of the situation, and keeping in view the covid-19 situation in the state.

In pursuance of the revised guidelines issued by Govt of India to re-open more activities in areas outside Containment Zones and to extend the lockdown in Containment Zones upto 31st October, 2020, State Govt has issued new guidelines. Click the link:https://t.co/NpXA4b9r4F pic.twitter.com/9zhQBej3jT

— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) October 1, 2020

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 issued new guidelines for reopening of schools, colleges and educational institutions after October 15.  The MHA stated, “For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020, in a graded manner. The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation.”

Read: School reopening status and MHA guidelines

Also read: Tamil Nadu: Lockdown extended till Oct 31; withdraws decision to reopen schools

Also read: Karnataka: Reopening of colleges postponed