Final year classes on shift basis from Oct 4

Final year classes on shift basis from Oct 4

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Thiruvananthapuram:11.09.2021

Classes for final year students in higher education institutions in the state would begin from October 4 on a shift basis on alternate days. A decision in this regard was reached at higher education minister R Bindu’s meeting with college principals on Friday.

Classes for junior semester students would be decided later considering the experience of the mechanism being put in place for the final year students, Bindu told reporters after the online meeting with principals.

“To begin with, classes would be organised on alternate days. Teachers would reach the campus daily. A fresh order specifying the working time for colleges during this special arrangement would be issued soon. Institutions may opt for different shift timings, according to their convenience. Generally, the student strength in PG classes is below 20. Nothing prevents college authorities from organising daily classes for students of such classes,” Bindu said.

A special vaccination drive would be held on college campuses to ensure that all students get at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. The drive would be held by coordinating respective DMOs, primary health centres, universities, and college campuses. “For the effective drive, the statistics of non-vaccinated students and teachers would be prepared. Covid vigilance committees would be set up on all campuses. Classes would be held adhering to Covid protocols, and college authorities are supposed to ensure availability of sanitiser, soap and handwash,” the minister said.

Bindu said the department would ask district collectors to return certain college buildings that had been converted to CFLTCs. They will be also asked to relieve teachers who were given the charge of sectoral magistrates.

“Colleges are being opened to overcome limitations of online classes. Online classes would be set up in all colleges. Principals have been asked to ensure that learning management system is introduced in their colleges. Principals would fix the schedule for blended classes, using online and offline facilities,” Bindhu said.

She r said the government would make best efforts to ensure public transport facility for college-going students. “Institutional heads would arrange accommodation facilities at hostels by ensuring the adherence of Covid-19 protocol. Since only final year students are allowed on campuses, accommodation in hostels won’t be a risk,” Bindhu added

A special vaccination drive would be held on college campuses to ensure that all students get at least one Covid vaccine dose