UGC leaves it to VCs and state govts to decide on reopening of classes on campus

UGC leaves it to VCs and state govts to decide on reopening of classes on campus

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:06.11.2020 

The UGC on Thursday notified guidelines for reopening of higher education institutions, leaving it to the vice-chancellors (VC) and heads of the centrally funded institutions to take decision on resumption of physical classes on campus while respective state governments will have to take call with regard to state universities and colleges.

The guidelines on reopening of campuses, closed since March due to the pandemic, suggest a six-day schedule, reducing class size, setting up isolation facilities on campus and Covid-19 screening of students, faculty and staff, among other things.

The universities and colleges have been asked to plan the opening of campuses in a phased manner, with such activities that adhere to Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing, use of face masks and other protective measures. The commission said universities and colleges may consider breaking classes into multiple sections to maintain physical distancing and depending on availability of space, allow up to 50% of students on a rotation basis to attend classes.

“For centrally funded higher education institutions, the head should satisfy herself or himself regarding the feasibility of opening of physical classes and decide accordingly,” the guidelines stated, “For all other institutions, including state universities, private universities, and colleges, opening of physical classes to be done as per the decision of the respective state governments.”

“The universities and colleges shall only be allowed to open if they are outside the containment zones. Further, students and staff living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the colleges ... The faculty, staff and students of the university and college should be encouraged to download ‘Aarogya Setu App’,” the commission said.

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