The decision was taken as 95 per cent of the adult population in the state has been vaccinated with at least the first dose and there has been a reduction in the number of new COVID-19 cases.
The Maharashtra government on Monday extended restaurant and shop timings and also allowed amusement parks except water rides to reopen from October 22.
"Less than 20 per cent of your population that's vaccinated. Then 30 per cent of your population under the age of 18 who are not yet eligible for vaccination. So this means that you don't have the sort of armour that you need to safely reopen in that way," renowned virologist Dr W. Ian Lipkin said.
"Attendance shall not be mandatory for students to attend offline classes. And prior consent of guardian shall be mandatory for students to opt for offline classes," the statement read.