New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) yesterday announced guidelines for online classes by schools. The Ministry has also recommended a cap on screen time for students.

According to guidelines issued by Union Ministry, schools can hold live online classes for a maximum of 1.5 hours per day for Classes 1 to 8 and 3 hours per day for Classes 9 to12. Classes 1 to 12 are to adopt the alternative academic calendar of NCERT.

Pre Primary: Interacting with parents and guiding them, on any given day, for not more than 30 minutes; Classes 1 to 8: Online learning may be undertaken for not more than two sessions of 30-45 minutes each on the days as decided by State administration; Classes 9 to12: Online learning may be undertaken for not more than four sessions of 30-45 minutes each on the days as decided by State administration.

After virtually releasing the Pragyata guidelines on digital education in New Delhi yesterday, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has asserted that the online classes for pre-primary students should not be for more than 30 minutes.

Minister Pokhriyal said that COVID-19 pandemic has led to closure of schools and has impacted over 240 million children of the country who are enrolled in schools. Pragyata guidelines have been developed from the perspective of learners with a focus on online, digital education for students who are presently at home due to lockdown. He added that these guidelines on digital education provide a roadmap for carrying forward online education to enhance the quality of education. 

The Minister also added that the guidelines will be relevant and useful for a diverse set of stakeholders including school masters, teachers, parents, educators and students.