The state education department is considering a reduction in school syllabus from classes 1 to 12 for the second consecutive year in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic with Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) forming a committee to look into it.

On Monday, JEPC director Shailesh Chaurasia hinted about expected cuts in syllabus, but clarified that a final decision would be taken by the state government in September.

“An expert committee for different classes has again been asked to evaluate the situation to modify the syllabus according to the evolving situation," he said. "The last time the syllabus was reduced by 40 per cent. This time, however, the cuts will not be that much. It is expected to be in the range of 20-25 per cent,” he added.

Chaurasia said he expected the committe to submit its detailed report by this month after which it would be forwarded to the state education department for a final nod.

Earlier this month, the state government allowed schools to hold on-campus classes for seniors in addition to online lessons. But schools have been told to call students only after ensuring parents' consent.

For junior classes, online teaching will continue, the state government has said. “But for those studying in government schools, since most of them are from poor families, online lessons are a challenge for want of internet-enabled devices. But even though the government is trying to ensure teaching through different interventions, like live classes on DD, nothing can replace on-campus classes,” admitted an education department official.