Bengaluru, Jan 1 (IANS): Amid Covid-19 scare, schools and pre-university colleges in Karnataka partially reopened for students of class 10 and II Pre-University College (PUC/class 12) on Friday after nearly 10 months with Covid-19 safety norms.

Several schools across the state took several initiatives to welcome students in their campuses and most of the schools took out aarti (a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are lit and offered up to one or more deities/persons) to students who came to schools after a long gap. In some parts students were given flowers, showers, flower petals and welcomed by traditional musicians who offer their services in temples and marriages.

Regular classes began on Friday for class 10 and second year PUC (class 12) students, who will be facing board exams students while from class 6-9 came to campuses for the Vidyagama programme, which enables continued schooling.

As many as 5.9 lakh students are enrolled in these two classes in the state in government and other aided schools. The studies of many in the rural area have been impacted by the school closure. With the number of Covid infections steadily dropping, the government has decided to go ahead with the plan to reopen schools.

Covid standard protocols like wearing masks, students with consent letters from their parents were seen entering the classes after thermal checks and sanitising their hands at schools and PU colleges across the state.

Inside the classes too, students were seen seated maintaining social distancing.

According to reports so far, with Friday being the first day, also New Year, attendance was very thin in most schools.

A school in Udupi district, Karandadi Sreerama School, a government aided school authorities welcomed their students in a grand procession by organising traditionally musicians troupe.

While C. S. Puttaraju, JD(S) MLA from Pandavapura constituency in Mandya district, stood in front of PU College garlanded students who arrived to attend to their classes. "After a gap of 10 months, I am seeing college in my constituency coming back to its life. I want 2021 to usher in a new beginning to all of us," he said while addressing students.

In Bengaluru, food and civil supplies minister, K. Gopalaiah gave a warm reception to Karnataka Public School students by distributing masks and small bottles of sanitiser freely to them.

While there was opposition from certain sections about opening schools and PU colleges amidst prevailing pandemic situation, others including Education Minister Suresh Kumar were of the opinion that opening of schools and colleges along with preventive measures were necessary for students, especially in rural areas, with online education mostly not available and cases of them being forced into labour.

Schools and PU colleges have remained closed in the state since March just ahead of the national lockdown was first enforced to combat Covid-19.

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa said the school and colleges are restarting in the interest of educational progress of the students.

"Happy New Year to everyone. In the interest of educational progress of the students, from today class 10 and 12 will start, also Vidyagama will restart for class 6 to 9 students. All the necessary arrangements have been made for the safety of the students. Compulsorily use masks, maintain social distancing, cleanliness and cooperate with the government," he said in a tweet.

Anxious parents were seen accompanying their children to schools, while teachers were seen welcoming students and guiding them regarding safety protocols that need to be followed.

Classrooms and premises of schools and colleges were sanitised ahead classes resuming Friday.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister S. Suresh Kumar, who visited schools and PU colleges at various places, also inspected the arrangements and interacted with students said, parents need not worry as all the necessary precautionary measures are being strictly followed.

"There is scene of celebration and joy at school premises, the worry that is there among some parents will not go easily in a day it will be there, so I'm saying two things, those who still have worries send your children to schools once it is resolved, as it is not compulsory, and those sending to schools don't worry, precautionary measures are in place," he said.

"About the worry around the second wave and UK variant, I have spoken to expert committee members, there is no need for worry, it is not more dangerous than the earlier COVID variant, same precautionary measures will hold good and the vaccines that are getting ready will be able to address it," he added.

Expecting attendance of 40-50 per cent on Friday, the Minister also said we are not expecting good attendance on the first day itself, as attending classes are not compulsory, also (Friday) being a New Year many may want to come to classes from Monday.

He also said that the department was mulling over setting up a vigilance team at all districts to visit schools and to check about precautionary measures and look into shortcomings if any.

Health minister, K. Sudhkar appealed to parents that without any fear they must send their wards to schools as the state was well equipped to fight this Covid battle. "We have successfully handled it thus far, even in the coming days too, we will fight it out," he told reporters.