The government-aided schools in Maharashtra may begin the new academic year with virtual classes, officials familiar with the matter have said. Though no formal order has been issued yet, there is growing buzz in Mantralaya that the state government may implement it for at least the first few months. 

This comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to embrace work-from-home and online learning. According to officials, the final decision will be taken soon after consulting all stakeholders and the administration.  According to officials, holding classes online would reduce the number of school buses and other vehicles used to transport children, keeping them off the roads and helping save fuel.