UGC issues guidelines on the reopening of universities, colleges in phases
New Delhi:
The University Scholarship Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines for the reopening of universities and colleges throughout the country, in line with the process of gradual opening of the blockade imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new guidelines, universities and colleges outside the containment zone can be opened sequentially after consulting with the respective state / UT governments. The guidelines have been reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and approved by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education.
UGC suggests six-day weeks, smaller classes to allow for social distancing, however the teaching hours in one day may be extended, depending on the institution’s requirements.
“You can follow a six-day schedule so that the classes are carried out in phases and the seating arrangements are made taking into account the physical distance requirements. Universities and colleges may consider reducing class sizes and dividing them into several sections to maintain physical distance during classes, ”the official statement reads.
The new guidelines have asked institutions to ensure that “prior to the reopening of any campus, the central or state government in question must have declared the area safe for the reopening of educational institutions. The directions, instructions, guidelines and orders issued by the Central and State Government concerning safety and health in view of COVID-19 must be fully complied with by higher education institutions ”.
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ took to Twitter and announced the launch of the new UGC guidelines. He said: “It is a request to all educational institutions, students, parents and all those associated with the world of education to ensure adherence to these guidelines for the survival and bright future of themselves and others.”
गृह मंत्रालय द्वारा COVID-19 महामारी के कारण लगे लॉकडाउन को धीरे-धीरे खोलने की प्रक्रिया के अनुरूप विश्वविद्यालयों और कॉलेजों को फिर से खोलने के लिए यूजीसी विस्तृत दिशानिर्देश जारी कर रहा है। @ugc_india @PIB_India @EduMinOfIndia @DDNewsHindi @HMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/CBtqPw5GK0
– Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) November 5, 2020
In addition to this, all institutions must be prepared to handle the influx of students, faculty, and staff on campus. Campuses must comply with disinfection control measures, health and safety conditions, screening and detection of infected people, containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus on campus.
UGC allows students from all research programs and graduate students in science and technology programs to join the institution as the number of students studying at the PG level is less. However, it must be ensured that the rules of physical distancing and preventive measures are followed. Seniors may also enter for academic and placement purposes, as decided by the institution director.
Institutions should provide online study material and access to electronic resources to students who prefer to study online while staying at home. Institutions are also requested to make online teaching-learning arrangements for international students who were unable to join the program due to international travel restrictions or visa-related issues.
Only if it is necessary to house students on campus, will universities be able to open hostels. “Shelters may only be opened in those cases where it is necessary, strictly respecting preventive health and safety measures. However, room sharing in hostels may not be allowed. Symptomatic students should not be allowed to stay in shelters under any circumstances, ”the statement read.
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