Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Friday announced suspension of physical classes or offline classes from standard 1 to 12 till January 31. The decision has been taken in the wake of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state. 

Chief Minister said, " All government and private schools will remain closed for students of classes 1-12 between Jan 15 and Jan 31. All political and religious gatherings and fairs will be banned. No ban on Makar Sankranti 'snan' "

Addressing a meeting today, Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked schools to shift learning activities to virtual mode till January 31. He said, a review meeting will be held after that to monitor the situation in the state and take further action. 

Meanwhile, pre-board exams for Classes 10 and 12 which were due to commence from January 20, 2022 will be held as per the schedule in ‘Take Home Exam’ format. Chouhan asked the school authorities to make the arrangement regarding it. 

Around the Mela season in various towns and cities across the state, the Chief Minister has ordered imposition of a complete ban on public gatherings and such activities which can attract the crowd. As per the fresh guidelines, sports activities can be conducted but with limited numbers of people.