Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the school reopening ceremony Pravesanotsavam virtually on Tuesday.

More than 3.5 lakh students will commence their Class one studies despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today is the day for our children. The day of hope. Though Kerala was plagued by the first phase of Covid-19 last year, we managed to impart our education to our students. We overcame the digital divide effectively," the Chief Minister said.

By imparting education on our kids, we are rebuilding a new world, he said.

"Last year, everyone came together to provide television sets and computers to students.  This year we are trying to facilitate interactive classes for our students," he added.

He conveyed his regards to the students and the teachers across Kerala and expressed hope that students will be able to attend schools soon.

Education minister V Sivankutty chaired the inaugural meet at the Government Cotton Hill School’s Lower Primary division here at 8.30am.

KITE VICTERS channel telecasted the inauguration live. Cine actors, including Mammootty and Mohanlal addressed the students.

Important points

•Teachers will organize the ‘Praveshanotsavam’ at schools across the State. Students can join in via social media. Special schools and anganwadis, too, will hold ‘Praveshanotsavam’ on Tuesday.

•Distribution of textbooks will be completed by June 15.

•The government will also ensure necessary gadgets for all students by June 15, enabling them to attend online classes.

•The first trial of online sessions of classes from one to 10 will be held till 4pm on Wednesday. The sessions will be re-telecast between 7am and 9am, and 10am and 12 noon.

•The first trial of Plus-Two classes will be held between 8.30am and 10am, and 5pm and 6pm from June 7. Each day will have five periods. The sessions will be re-telecast from June 14 to 18.

• Students of classes one to nine will have one period each

• Students of Class 9 will have two periods. The second period will be from 4pm to 5pm.

•Class X students will have three periods. The second and third periods will be from 12noon to 1.30pm.