Just a week after the universities reopened, the Karnataka government is reconsidering the measure. The bachelor, diploma and engineering colleges reopened immediately after Diwali on November 17, but with Covid-19 cases in the state seeing a further increase, the government is reconsidering its strategy.
Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar, while speaking to journalists in Dharwad on Sunday, said: “If the cases increase as you (the media) report, then we could close the universities once again as there is no alternative. “.
Interestingly, the health minister’s statement comes ahead of a crucial meeting on Monday to decide on the reopening of schools. The government, staff, students and parents are concerned after reports of at least 130 students and staff infected with Covid-19 after the reopening of universities.
Officials from the health and education department had justified the reopening of the universities by citing the need for hands-on learning, a lack of online education infrastructure facilities and digital devices among poor students, health problems due to continued exposure to devices. digital as some of the reasons to reopen universities.
Sudhakar defended the measure to reopen universities, saying that young people generally have more immunity and that the government has a dual responsibility to protect their health and safeguard their academic interests. However, he said there would be a rethink after getting more data from officials.
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