West Bengal: No ‘immediate plan’ to close educational institutions as Covid cases surge

West Bengal authorities are now planning to close educational institutions without delay, even as the state is recording an upward push in Coivd-19 cases.

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu said on Friday that the choice to close schools, colleges, and universities would rest with the state health department. However, he reiterated that the state government does not make college-college closure graphs now.

“We will act as per the recommendations of the health department. Nothing immediate is on the cards,” he asked a question.

When asked about the election of student councils in faculties and universities, the education minister said that the authorities need to make it a habit as soon as possible.
“We are looking at the emerging Covid-19 situation. Initially, a selection will be made on the basis of this union election,” he said.

West Bengal recorded 2,950 new Covid-19 cases on Friday with a positive rate of 16.92%. Three additional people died in the state, while active cases rose to 18,856, according to the health department.