The state government has decided to promote all students of Classes 5 to 10 under the Punjab school education system to the next class without any examination, in the light of the unprecedented Covid crisis, which has led to prolonged curfew, he said.

 

Responding to questions and concerns expressed over various social media platforms over the past few days, the Chief Minister said on Facebook that for the Class 11 and 12 students, the state will go by the decision of the Central government.

 

This was the first in a series of such programmes, in which the Chief Minister will be responding, every Friday, to various questions received, or issues raised, on the issue of Covid and the lockdown in the state.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the relaxations given to the people in the third phase of the curfew, Amarinder Singh said he had been concerned about the mental and psychological health of the people stuck in small houses over a prolonged period of time.

 

The relaxations will give them an opportunity to step out, he said, but called for caution and adherence to Covid safety protocols.

 

The relaxations can be further extended if the situation improves, said the Chief Minister, adding, however, that it would depend on the people and there strict adherence to social distancing and other norms, such as washing hands regularly and wearing masks while going out.

 

This was necessary to prevent the further spread of the infection, he added.

 

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said there was no question of stopping migrants who wanted to be with their families, especially in these tough times.

 

Of the 13 lakh odd migrant labourers in the state, 10 lakh registered for going back to their homes but of these, 35 per cent had later chosen to stay back in Punjab amid signs of opening up of industry, he said.

 

Even if half the total migrant in the state stay back, it would help Punjab in its industrial revival and agricultural operations, said the Chief Minister.