The Jharkhand government on Sunday announced postponement of the May 2 state civil services examinations and all other exams in schools, colleges and ITIs with immediate in the wake of mounting Covid-19 cases in the state.
As of now, all educational institutions and anganwadis will remain closed, while social gatherings like weddings would be allowed with only 50 people as opposed to the earlier announced 200.
Chief minister Hemant Soren, who made these announcements after holding a meeting with coalition partners Congress and RJD at his residence on Sunday, said that the government would review the situation after a month and take a call on examinations.
On Saturday, Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) had announced postponement of state board exams.
“After deliberations today (Sunday), the state government has decided to immediately cancel all kinds of exams, be that of JPSC or at schools, colleges or other centres of higher learning, till further notice. We will take a call on them after reviewing the situation of Covid-19 after a month again. Similarly, all sorts of centres for learning will be closed and gatherings at marriages shouldn’t exceed 50 people,” Hemant announced, adding that the state government was deliberating on ways to cut the rapid transmission of the coronavirus that has so far infected over 1.5 lakh people in Jharkhand.
Currently, the state’s active caseload stands at over 23,000 with capital Ranchi emerging as the worst affected district leading to undue pressure on the state's already strained health infrastructure.
Hemant appealed to people to refrain from venturing out unless it was absolutely necessary, stating that the second wave of the virus had become more virulent.
“Consider that whoever you meet, may have been infected with the virus, given the kind of spread we are facing now. So, venture out only if it is highly necessary and take all the prescribed precautions. Don't take it lightly,” Hemant said, appealing to youths to be more cautious as the virus was now impacting younger age groups.
"If the situations keep worsening, we will take more stringent steps in the interest of the state," he said.
State finance minister and Congress president Rameshwar Oraon, health and disaster management minister Banna Gupta and state labour development minister from RJD Satyanand Bhokta were among those who took part in the meeting.
The state government is yet to decide on a lockdown amid a growing call for it from various parties, including the JMM, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jharkhand, and certain sections of trade organisations. From Sunday, traders iat Ranchi's Shastri Market have announced self-imposed lockdown for a week when they will keep their shops closed.
At an all-party meeting held on Saturday, the JMM and the NCP strongly demanded a complete lockdown, while the Congress and Left were opposed to a total shutdown citing livelihood issues in the state. The Opposition BJP on the other hand had assured the government of its support in whatever decision it takes to combat the pandemic.