Schools in Sikkim have begun graded reopening from today after closing down in March 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic. Director of elementary education and Samagra Shiksha Bhim Thatal informed AIR that all schools will follow COVID19 protocol while students' attendance will be voluntary and on the consent of parents.<br />''  <br />''AIR correspondent reports that in Sikkim, government schools have been functioning since 21st September with 50 per cent teaching and non-teaching staff, and students from classes ninth to twelfth attending on a voluntary basis with the written consent of parents. Standard operating procedures prepared by the education department for safety students and staff will guide school activities.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Classes ninth to twelfth will continue on a voluntary basis, while classes sixth to eighth will resume on voluntary basis from 2nd November. Primary classes may start from 23rd November subject to the COVID19 situation. Winter holidays have been done away with and classes will function on all working days and half days on Saturdays. All notified government holidays will be observed by schools.</span><br />