UGC notifies the guidelines for the reopening of universities, colleges

New Delhi: The University Scholarship Commission (UGC) on Thursday notified guidelines for the reopening of universities and colleges across the country that have been closed since March in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of central universities and other centrally funded institutions of higher education, the decision to reopen campuses has been left to the vice chancellors and principals.

However, for state universities and colleges, the respective state governments will need to take a call, per the guidelines.

“For centrally funded higher education institutions, the principal must be satisfied with the feasibility of opening physical classes and decide accordingly,” the guidelines said.

“For all other institutions, including state universities, private universities and colleges, the opening of physical classes will be made according to the decision of the respective state governments,” they said.

Universities and colleges have been asked to plan the opening of campuses in a phased manner, with activities that adhere to COVID-19 regulations, including social distancing, the use of face masks and other protective measures.

“Universities and colleges will only be allowed to open if they are outside the containment zones. Also, students and staff living in containment zones will not be able to attend colleges,” the guidelines said.

“Students and staff should also be warned not to visit the areas within the containment zones. Faculty, staff and students at the university and college should be encouraged to download the ‘Aarogya App Setu ‘”, they said.

“Students from all research programs and graduate students in science and technology programs can join, since the number of those students is comparatively less and the rules of physical distancing and preventive measures can be easily enforced.”

“Seniors may also enter for academic and placement purposes, depending on the institution’s director’s decision,” he added.

The commission has said that institutions should have a plan in place for international students who could not join the program due to international travel restrictions or visa-related problems.

“Shelters can only be opened when necessary, strictly respecting preventive health and safety measures. However, room sharing in the shelters may not be allowed. Symptomatic students should not be allowed to stay in shelters under no circumstance, “it said.

Universities across the country closed on March 16 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. A nationwide shutdown was announced on March 25.