SOP for Education department of Assam w.e.f 1st January,2021

SOP for Re-opening of schools from LP to University level w.e.f 1st January,2021

Submission of information regarding age of Assistant teacher (Contractual) and State pool teachers

Verification date for SSA ASSAM

Verification date for SSA ASSAM applied candidate for the post of assistant Teacher (Contractual) under SSA

SOP for School re-opening Assam govt.

             GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM

             EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

                DISPUR, GUWAHATI-06

No. ASE.01/2020/Pt.-III/30     Dated, Dispur the 30th October, 2020

                            ORDER

In supersession of all earlier SOPs and Orders, the Government of Assam in Elementary, Secondary and Higher Education Department is pleased to notify the revised Standard Operating Procedure for re-opening of Schools/Colleges/Engineering Colleges/ Polytechnics/Private educational institutions as well as Govt. and private training and coaching institutes/universities in the State of 

Assam from classes VI upwards maintaining all the protocols of safety Guidelines under COVID-19 pandemic. The Standard Operating Procedure will come into effect from 2nd November, 2020 and the detailed SOP is as follows:-

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS/COLLEGES IN THE STATE OF ASSAM

(FROM CLASS VI to XII IN SCHOOLS AND FIRST, THIRD AND FIFTH SEMESTER IN 

COLLEGES etc.,)

1. Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to the educational system and student-teacher classroom – learning and interaction. There is a severe impact on a child’s ability to learn. 

Furthermore, learning online and through other channels has a limited reach and impact, especially amongst the most vulnerable section of the students. Educational Institutions are closed from 15th March, 2020 and though online teaching is ongoing but due to various constraints all the students could not be covered. The students studying in class-XII particularly students of Science and other 

streams have to appear in the professional and competitive qualifying examination for admission in various professional courses. To prepare them to face the competitive examination it is felt that the classroom classes for them should be started and also in respect of the students who will be appearing 

for the ensuing HSLC examination.

The Government of Assam had extended the Academic year till 31st March 2021 and 

subsequently w.e.f. 01st April to 31st March of every year, primarily to recover the loss in Academic days and also to bring the session at par with all India level. 

The Government of Assam in Secondary Education Department vide Order No. ASE. 

01/2020/Pt-II/18 dated 16.09.2020 and ASE. 01/2020/Pt-II/78 dated 18.09.2020 notified the Standard Operating Procedure for fresh re-opening of schools in the State of Assam in all schools and colleges, maintaining the protocols of safety Guidelines under COVID-19 pandemic involving partial resumption of activities in schools for the students of class IX to XII on a voluntary basis for taking guidance and counselling from the teachers.

Considering the importance of continuous education, the Government of Assam has decided to start re-opening of schools from classes VI to XII, as well as all colleges (first, third and fifth Semester) in pursuance of the SOP and Guidelines for school/college re-opening issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on 5th October, 2020. However, online mode of education will continue for students who prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school. 

Further, in order to ensure, smooth transition of students from home-based schooling during lock down period to formal schooling and for ensuring emotional wellbeing of students, only the “Orientation Activities” will be undertaken during the first fifteen days of re-opening the schools. The regular curriculum based teaching-learning process will be resumed thereafter.

This SOP is applicable for Private Institutions as well as coaching Institutions. The Private 

Institutions has to follow the Guidelines as cited in the following paragraphs. However, all hostel facilities in schools and Colleges will remain suspended until further Orders.

General Guidelines

1. There will be re-opening of schools from 02nd November, 2020 from classes VI to XII and all UG/Degree Colleges/Engineering Colleges/Polytechnics/University/All Govt. and private educational institutions and private training and coaching institutes.

2. Classes from I to V will remain suspended until further orders.

a) Staggered timetable will be followed for all the classes from VI to XII.

b) In Upper Primary, Secondary and Sr.Secondary schools, for students of class VI, VIII, X and XII, classes will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fixation of first batch and second batch of students will be done by the Head of the Institution( Say 

for example class VI and X in the morning shift and class VIII and XII in the afternoon shift).

c) And in schools, for students of class VII, IX and XI, classes will be conducted on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fixation of first batch and second batch of students will be done by the Head of the Institution( Say for example class VII and IX in the morning shift and class X in the afternoon shift).

d) The Staggered timetable for all schools is cited at Para B of this guideline. There will be 

two batches for each class. However, if in any class, total number of students is less than 20, then division in batch will not be required.

e) The first batch of students will come at 08.00 AM and stay upto 12.00 Noon and the 

second batch of students will come at 12.30 PM and stay upto 03.30 PM and the Head of the institution will prepare daily routine chart for imparting lesson to the students and equal importance will be given to all the subjects. 

f) The first batch of students will have their midday meal from 11.30 AM to 12.00 Noon

and the next batch will have midday meal from 12.30 PM to 01.00 PM. The Standard Operating Procedure for mid-day meal, cooking and distribution is at para N. 

g) The Head of the Institution, President of SMC/SMDC of the Schools shall ensure that the cook cum helpers are to do COVID test (Swab test) before resuming regular cooking and serving of hot cooked midday meal in the schools. Regular COVID test for cook cum Helpers is required to be ensured and has to be done after a gap of every 15 days or in case of any symptoms of fever, cough, difficulty in breathing etc.,

h) All concerned stake holder/ functionaries are to take necessary steps for resuming 

regular cooking and serving of hot cook midday meal to the children in the school 

campus based on the attendance of the students as per staggered timing mentioned 

in the SOP. However SMC/SMDC shall distribute food security allowance to the 

eligible absentee children as per entitlements/ norms following the guidelines of distribution of food security allowance.

i) The Schools/Educational Institutions shall have to be sanitized on every weekend (preferably on every Sunday).

j) Regarding sanitization of schools it will be the joint responsibility of the SMDC/SMC of the schools, Deputy Commissioner of the District , Joint Director of Health Services, Inspector of Schools, DEEO, BEEO.

k) On every Sunday there will be community mobilization involving the head of the Educational Institution, Village Headman (Gaonburha), Parents, Guardians, interested NGOs, SHG, Volunteers regarding precaution and awareness on physical social distancing about COVID-19 etc., maintaining health and hygiene, Yoga, Meditation, commutation, prepare and disseminate posters, banners, brochures, info graphics etc., on COVID-19 related issues. 

l) Students should be made aware about proper and scientific use of Mask, frequent 

change of Mask, sanitization, maintenance of physical distance of minimum 6 ft. both inside and outside the classroom.

m) The Teaching and Non-Teaching staff of all Educational Institutions and Cooks/ Helpers engaged in preparation and serving of Midday Meal among the students should be medically tested for COVID-19 after every 30 days and in case of symptomatic case the testing should be done immediatly.

n) The Hostels of all Educational Institutions shall remain closed for one month and until further orders.

o) Regular cleaning and disinfection of the classrooms toilets corridor etc., shall have to 

be done.

p) Compulsory use of Masks/ Sanitizers by all.

q) Arrangements for potable water for hand washing with soaps. Install hand washing station, hygienic drinking water points, toilets and urinals to allow physical distancing of atleast 1 to 2 meters and ensure these facilities are accessible to children with disabilities.

r) Social distancing in classes/ assembly/ dinning hall for distribution of Mid-day-Meal 

etc. space will be created in the classroom/hall to ensure that the childrens desk stands one meter apart and responsibility for such arrangement would lie on the Head of the institution.

s) Before the schools reopen, R.A.T. of all Teachers/Cooks/ Staff members have to be 

done and thereafter periodic testing at an interval of 30 days from time to time. And 

considering the huge number of teaching and non-teaching staff of institutions ranging from upper primary schools to universities and the time factor involved in testing (both testing and value of results) testing has to be planned by District Administration in view of the various challenges posed in conducting such large  number of test.

t) Temperatures check of all students/teachers etc. shall be done every day through thermo scanner.

u) Contact with the nearest PHC/CHC in case of fever, cough, difficulty in breathing/ medical emergency.

v) A District level task force Chaired by Deputy Commissioner of the District and consisting of District Heads of the concerned line Department as members will be responsible for ensuring enforcement of the SOP. Notification will be issued by Education Department.

w) The Schools used as quarantine centres should be properly sanitized before re-opening. Those educational institutions where quarantine centres were/are setup are to be thoroughly sanitized. Sanitization should not merely be limited to the school building and it should include the entire premises, desks and benches, toilets etc. it should be an extensive sanitization. 

x) Schools shall not be opened in containment zones till further instructions from the Govt.

y) Students/teachers/school administrators who have been quarantined(home/institutional ) can attend school provided they produce medical fitness certificate relating to COVID-19 issued by competent medical authority. Care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing of students and staff who have been exposed to 

COVID-19.

z) Whenever any single COVID-19 positive case is detected in the school premises and thereafter the school should be opened next day only for COVID 19 testing (R.A.T) of the students teaching, non-teaching staff, cooks cum helper etc. The District Administration/ SMC/SMDC/Head of the Institution shall jointly take necessary steps for R.A.T.

aa) Whenever multiple COVID-19 positive cases are detected in the school premises and 

thereafter immediately the school/Educational institution will be closed for a period of 7 (seven) days. Subsequently after closure of the school/ educational institution the school building including the entire premises desk and benches, toilet stations/ drinking water station etc., should be thoroughly sanitized. Thereafter, after 7(seven) days the school will be re-opened with due permission from Deputy Commissioner of the District. 

bb) In respect of private educational institutions social/physical distancing shall be 

maintained and buses will carry 1/3 intake of the students in the bus. The school buses should be properly sanitized twice daily.

cc) In respect of those educational institutions which do not have potable water/drinking water facilities/stations, the school shall not be re-opened on 2nd November’ 2020 and decision in this connection will be taken by Deputy Commissioner of the District.

3. Attendance of students must not be enforced and shall be purely based on parental consent.

4. The staggered timetable for colleges are as follows: 

a) Staggered time table will be followed regarding which final decision will be taken by the college authority.

b) Student of UG first semester will have their classes on Monday and Thursday.

c) Student of UG third semester will have their classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

d) Student of UG fifth semester will have their classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and 

Saturday.

e) On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday the college shall arrange for the classes in such a way so as to avoid too much crowding of the college campus. For example, college may 

conduct the classes of third and fifth semester in two shifts, i.e. Day (8.30 AM to 12.30 PM) and Afternoon (1 PM to 5 PM)

f) Students who are unable to attend classes in their respective colleges because of some 

extreme circumstances may opt to attend classes in a college of their locality with prior 

permission from the concerned authorities of both the colleges. However, this should be  taken as a temporary measure.

g) For PG Classes the college will follow the guidelines of the parent University/UGC.

5. The staggered timetable for Engineering, Polytechnic colleges, ITIs are as follows:

a) Online as well as Blended or Mixed mode of Teaching will be followed by the each Institution.

b) Blended or Mixed mode of Teaching will consist of a judicious mixture of face to face 

teaching (maintaining physical distance of 6ft.) and online teaching. Staggered timing will be prepared by the Head of the Institution Semester wise.

c) Each Institute will make a routine of face to face teaching (as per COVID-19 Protocol) 

and online teaching which may consist of multiple sections, multiple class timings etc. as required. For example, three days by face to face teaching and three/two days on line  teaching for a particular section. A rotational mechanism among the sections may also be 

prepared.

d) In continuation of earlier notification, each Institute will constitute a Multi stakeholder 

Committee to address the Covid-19 related issues within the Institute, as Institutional 

Disaster Management Plan. Representative from DTE, Health and District civil administration should also be included in the Multi-stakeholder Committee in addition to 

students, parents, faculties.The minutes of the meeting are to be uploaded in the public domain.

e) A sub Committee for Hostel Management may be formed from the members of the

multi stakeholder Committee to address the hostel matters after necessary clearance is given by the Govt. for opening of Hostels.

6. Online mode of education will continue for students who prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend schools/Colleges.

7. The health, hygiene and safety protocols of COVID-19 as issued by the Health & Family 

Welfare Department/NHM, Assam has to be followed in coordination with the District 

Administration. 

8. Every School/College authority should coordinate with the nearest Health Centre/ Joint Director of Health service, in case of emergency and related health checkup. 

9. Students commuting in School/College transport should feel safe and all safety protocols to be followed.

10. Use of face cover/masks by students, teachers, staff and all stakeholders is mandatory and there should be thorough sanitization and cleaning of all areas inside the School/College premises prior to re-opening. Working hand washing facilities should be available in the School/College and Coaching Institutes.

11. SOP for Universities

The University situated within the State of Assam will prepare their individual SOP for 

attending classes by the students within the University Campus strictly following the protocols of Covid-19 and the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI vide order No.40-3/2020-DM-1(A), Dtd. 30/9/2020.

The STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR HEALTH, HYGIENE AND OTHER 

SAFETY PROTOCOLS are as follows:

A. Proper cleaning and sanitation facilities. 

 Use of face covers/masks by students, teachers, staff and all stakeholders is mandatory.

 There should be arrangement for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture equipment, stationary, storage space, water tanks, kitchen, canteen, washroom, laboratories, libraries, etc., on School/College campus.

 Working hand washing facilities in the School/College should be arranged. 

 There should be availability of key supplies like thermometers, disinfectants, soaps, etc., and the thermometer to be used should be a calibrated contactless infrared digital thermometer.

 Ban on spitting shall be strictly enforced.

 All garbage should be disposed in dustbins and must not be allowed to be piled up  anywhere in the School/College premises.

 Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of washrooms during the School/College hours 

should be ensured.

 Mandatory hand washing for all students and staff at regular intervals must be ensured. Hand washing time should be minimum of 40 seconds as health protocol. 

 Availability of safe and clean drinking water for students must be ensured. Drinking from water bottles by students maybe encouraged.

 Cleanliness and hygiene should be maintained during mid-day meal preparation, 

serving, during eating and after eating. Utensils should be properly cleaned.

B. Staggered timetable for Schools

 Classes from I to V will remain suspended until further orders.

 Staggered timetable will be followed for all the classes from VI to XII. 

 For students of class VI, VIII, X and XII, classes will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

 For students of class VII, IX and XI, classes will be conducted on Tuesday, Thursday and 

Saturday. 

 There will be two batches for each class. However, if in any class, total number of 

students is less than 20, then division in batch will not be required.

 The first batch of students will come at 08.00 AM and stay upto 12.00 Noon. The second 

batch of students will come at 12.30 pm and stay upto 03.30 pm. 

 The first batch of students will have their midday meal from 11.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and the next batch will have midday meal from 12.30 PM to 01.00 PM. The Standard Operating Procedure for mid-day meal, cooking and distribution is at Para N.

C. Staggered Time Table. (i) for colleges

 Staggered time table will be followed regarding which final decision will be taken by the college authority.

 Student of UG first semester will have their classes on Monday and Thursday.

 Student of UG third semester will have their classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

 Student of UG fifth semester will have their classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and 

Saturday.

 On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday the college shall arrange for the classes in such a way so as to avoid too much crowding of the college campus. For example, college may 

conduct the classes of third and fifth semester in two shifts, i.e. morning shift (8.30 am to 

12.30pm) and Afternoon shift (1 PM to 5 PM)

 Students who are unable to attend classes in their respective colleges because of some 

extreme circumstances may opt to attend classes in a college of their locality with prior 

permission from the concerned authorities of both the colleges. However, this should be 

taken as a temporary measure.

 College may continue with online classes along with offline classes.

 For PG Classes the college will follow the guidelines of the parent University/UGC.

D. Staggering Time Table. (ii) for Engineering College and Polytechnics

 Online as well as Blended or Mixed mode of Teaching will be followed by the each Institution.

 Blended or Mixed mode of Teaching will consist of a judicious mixture of face to face 

teaching (as per COVID-19 protocol) and online teaching. Staggered timing and morning shift classes and afternoon shift classes semester wise shall be fixed by the Head of the  institution as per this SOP.

 Each Institute will make a routine of face to face teaching(as per COVID-19 protocol) and 

online teaching which may consist of multiple sections, multiple class timings etc. as  required. For example, three days by face to face teaching and three/two days on line teaching by a particular section. A rotational mechanism among the sections may also be prepared by the Head of the institution.

 Each Institute will constitute a Multi stakeholder Committee to address the Covid-19 related issues within the Institute, as Institutional Disaster Management Plan. Representative from DTE, Health & Family Welfare Department and District administration should also be included in the Multi-stakeholder Committee in addition to students, parents, guardians,faculties. The minutes and meeting of the Committee shall be uploaded in the public domain.

 A sub Committee for Hostel Management may be formed from the members of the multi 

stakeholder Committee to address the hostel matters as and when permission is granted by the Govt. in due course for re-opening of Hostels.

E. Seating plan(Schools/Colleges/Coaching Institutions).

 Physical distancing of atleast 6 feet has to be strictly followed. 

 Physical and social distancing shall be maintained in the staff rooms, office area and 

other places of public interaction.

 Wherever available, temporary spaces or outdoor spaces (in case of pleasant weather) 

may be utilized for conducting classes in view the safety and security of the children and physical distance protocols.

 Seats maybe designated with adequate distance for teachers in the staff room and 

other available rooms/halls.

 The number of seats in the reception area maybe limited with atleast 6 feet distance 

between them. 

F. Ensure physical/social distancing in the entry and exit points of the Schools/Colleges.

 Earmarking different lanes for entry and exit of students/teachers/non-teaching staff.Visit of outsiders should be strictly prohibited.

 Opening of all the gates at the time of entry and exit in case of Schools/Colleges which have multiple gates shall be done to avoid overcrowding.

 Displaying posters/signage/stickers at appropriate places reminding students about 

maintaining physical/social distancing must be ensured.

 Display communication materials (info-graphics) etc. on COVID-19 prevention in 

different areas within the School/College premises and the community.

 No outside vendors should be allowed to sell any eatables inside the School/College premises or at the entry/exit gate points.

 Ensure Soap (Liquid) is available at each hand washing station, near every door of toilets, in the Mid-Day-Meal distribution areas/ school Canteens and school entrance points.

 The Headmaster of the respective school will assign one teacher to stand at the entry point of the school during entry of the students and one teacher at the exit point during the exit of the students.

G. Parents/Guardians consent

 Students will come to the school/College provided their parents have no objection and 

as such written undertaking/confirmation from the parents should be produced in the schools/ Colleges.

 Parents should ensure that their ward goes to school/College wearing a mask and sensitize them not to exchange mask with others.

 Parents may take care not to send their ward to school if the child is not feeling well. 

 Students willing to study from home through online mode maybe allowed to do so.

 Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.

H. School/College events, meetings, etc.

 Schools/Colleges should not undertake school events/College where physical and 

social distancing is not possible. 

 Functions and celebration of festivals should be avoided in schools/Colleges.

 School assembly maybe conducted by the students in the respective classrooms/outdoor spaces/other available spaces and halls under the guidance of the class teachers and maintaining physical distancing of atleast 6ft.

I. Formation of different Task teams.

The schools/Colleges will ensure formation of different Task teams such as Emergency care 

support/Response team/General support team for all stakeholders, hygiene inspection team, 

etc. The members of such teams may be identified from amongst the Teachers, Professors, Associate Professors, students and other stakeholders who will work collaboratively to take strategic and immediate action.

J. Health checkup

 Regular health checkup of students and teachers maybe organized. 

K. Ensure safe commuting of students who avail school/college transport.

 Sanitization of school/College transport should be done on regular basis atleast twice 

a day- once before children board the transport and once after.

 Driver and conductor should ensure physical distance at all times alongwith students.

 If possible, thermal screening of students may be done by the bus conductor at the 

time of their boarding.

 All commuters are to wear face cover/masks. School/College transport authority should not permit students without masks and as per as possible provide them with masks.

Scholarship for ST/OBC students Class 1-10

Scholarship for ST/OBC students of Assam

DW. PMS/98/ 2o0U L63 / Dated Guwahati, the 19th October/2020

It is for information to all concerned that Fresh / Renewal applications for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for students of Assam belonging to scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward classes (OBC / MOBC) are invited for the year 2020-21 through National scholarship portal (NSp) at www.scholarships.gov.in Applications will be entertained through online portal only for students studying in Govt. / Govt. aided / Govt. recognized / Madhyamik/ Middle / primary School / University/ Higher secondary / colleges including Medical / Technical institution etc having valid U-DISE / AISHE/NCVT code only.

The timelines for submission and verifications of applications are given below:

Note :

(i) For verification of applications, each lnstitution has to fill their lnstitutes Nodal

Officer registration form and get it approved by the State Nodal officer. lf the lnstitute / school / college does not do so, they will not be able to verify the applications online.

Name, E-mail id and contact details of the State Nodal Officer for scholarship

schemes are available on this Directorate website www.directorwptbc.assam.gov.in

The guidelines for the schemes as well as Standard Operating procedure (SOp) and User manual for lnstitutes are available on National Scholarship portal website www.scholarships.gov.in as well as on the website of this Directorate www.directorwptbc.assam.gov.in 

lnstitutions are hereby informed that timely verification of applications which include scrutiny of documents viz. Caste Certificate of the students, lncome Certificate of the parents /guardian, admissible fees (admission, tuition etc) is the responsibility of the lnstitution Nodal Officer and will also be responsible/ liable for any false or incorrect information. lt is also the responsibility of the lnstitution Nodal Officer to mobilize online applications of students and after verifications of the applications within the dateline, submit the hard copy of the approved verified list to the office of the undersigned latest by 20-01-2021.

More details Click here

For any further details on the scholarship schemes, educational institutions and students may approach the office of the Director, Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward

Classes, Assam, Chatriniwas Path, Rukmini Nagar, Guwahati-6 or e-mail us at

directorateofwptbc.assam @gmail.com