HYDERABAD: Only 50 per cent students will be able to resume academic activities in universities on a rotation basis with the University Grants Commission (UGC) giving nod on reopening higher educational institutions.
By issuing detailed guidelines on reopening of universities and colleges post lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, the UGC, on Thursday, has set the ball rolling for commencement of physical classes for the academic year 2020-21. Although the guidelines have to be adopted as per local conditions and state government directives, it sets an agenda for reopening of campuses.
“Reopening of universities and colleges will relieve the students from uncertainties regarding their career, mode of functioning of universities and colleges, including the conduct of physical classes. Also, it will relieve teaching and other staff from any uncertainty regarding the continuity of their services and salary etc,” stated the UGC. As per the guidelines, colleges and universities may plan phased reopening of campuses by maintaining physical distancing, use of face mask and other protective measures. Institutions have to follow a six-day schedule and consider reducing the class size and break them in multiple sections to maintain physical distancing during the classes.
“Chief secretary (education) Chitra Ramchandran will convene a meeting with all the stakeholders on November 9 to discuss reopening of universities and colleges in Telangana,” said Papi Reddy, chairman, TS Council of Higher Education.