Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 4

Amid surge in Covid-19 cases, Panjab University is unlikely to open its campus for offline classes in the coming months.

The university, in view of the latest guidelines issued by the UT Administration, has decided to function with 50 per cent staff.

In a new circular, the university stated: “The offices of university will function with 50 per cent staff strength till May 31 or till such time the same is reviewed/extended by Advisor-Chairperson, State Disaster Management Authority, Chandigarh.”

“All heads of the office/departments shall prepare roster in such a manner that the routine day-to-day work as well as work pertaining to examination and other time-bound assignments may not get delayed. The officers of the level of office superintendent and above shall attend office on daily basis with scattered timing,” read the notice.

“As far as working of university regional centres, rural centres and consistent colleges, located in the state of Punjab is concerned, they should follow the instructions/guidelines as ordered by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Government of Punjab,” it added.

Online classes

Sources claimed that the online classes would continue as of now. In the recent past, many student groups had demanded to open the campus.

“The online classes and examinations are likely to be continued amid surge in Covid-19 cases. We all have to be extra cautious and even students are aware of it,” said a source. “Those residing in hostels have already been told to take extra precautions,” the source added.

Army officers visit hostel

Officers from the Western Command, Chandi Mandir, visited Panjab University hostel No. 10 and international hostel today.

The Army, on the request of the UT Administration, is setting up a 100-beded Covid care centre at the international hostel. The Army has already started moving in the equipment and the facility is expected to be fully functional from tomorrow.

“Officers have already created a set-up at the international hostel and doctors are likely to stay at hostel No. 10. The set-up is likely to be complete by tomorrow and it will be functional soon after. The equipment has already arrived at the international hostel and the team is is also ready,” said a source.