Panaji, Sep 17 (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the decision to restart classes for students of Class X and XII will be taken after October 2.

Sawant said that at least 30 per cent students in the state are still facing Internet connectivity issues.

"Decision regarding reopening of schools, especially class X and XII will be taken only after October 2, in consultation with experts and considering the pandemic situation.

"Internet connectivity is still an issue for students in villages, the government will address this issue as soon as possible," the Chief Minister said.

Earlier on Thursday, Sawant, who is also the state Education Minister, chaired a meeting of education experts, top education department officials and education sector stakeholders to discuss the National Education Policy, 2021 and to decide on the re-opening of schools.

Schools in the state have been shut since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Chief Minister said that efforts were on to work out a system where students would be taught both offline and online, after taking the stakeholders into confidence.

"30 per cent students have connectivity issues. If parents and teachers are willing they can be taught offline. We are working out a plan," Sawant said, adding that those students who do not have mobile phones or are in areas with poor connectivity, could be provided with worksheets (hard copy) by their schools at regular intervals.

The Chief Minister said that over the next eight days, the Goa government would look at enhancing Internet connectivity in the state, by clearing the paperwork for setting up mobile phone towers in areas with poor coverage.

"Over the next eight days, those (telecom companies) who have applied for setting up mobile towers will get the permission to add to their connectivity," Sawant said.

Goa is battling a rise in Covid cases, with a total tally of 25,511. So far, 315 people have died in the state.