New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday issued guidelines for reopening of Colleges and Universities post lockdown. The guidelines vetted by the Ministry of Health were approved by the Home Ministry and the Education Ministry.
Thew new guidelines said that the colleges and universities can reopen their campuses in a phased manner, ensuring safety, health and well-being of all students and staff.
The educational institutions will have to follow the advisories/guidelines/directions issued by the Central/state government, Ministry of Education and UGC from time to time to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Colleges and Universities will also have to take all the Covid related safety measures like sanitisation of promises, thermal screening, ensuring physical distancing, face cover and hand hygiene.
READ: Punjab leaders tell minister to resume train services
However, educational institutions falling in containment zones will not be allowed to open. Campuses in the area declared safe by Central or the concerned state governments will only be allowed to reopen.
Guidelines suggest that universities and colleges may consider reducing the class size and break them in multiple sections to maintain physical distancing during the classes. Up to 50% of students may be allowed on a rotation basis to attend the classes based on the availability of space in the classroom.
Hostels may be opened but outstation students will only be allowed to attend classes after staying quarantined for 14 days. The institutions have also been directed to take measures for counselling and guidelines for mental health to keep students away from stress or panic.
READ: India, Italy likely to several agreements at Modi-Conte summit tomorrow
