Odisha: Higher education department continues consultation on reopening of institutions
BHUBANESWAR: After the school and mass education department ordered the closure of all schools in the state till December 31, the higher education department has started consultations with stakeholders on whether it should reopen colleges and universities or not.
A senior department official said chief minister Naveen Patnaik had recently asked people to be cautious and follow Covid-19 guidelines during Diwali and throughout winter.
“We have not taken any decision regarding reopening of colleges and universities in November. We may keep them closed for December too. But the decision will be taken after reviewing the Covid situation,” he added.
Although the October 31 order of the special relief commissioner had authorized the school and mass education department to reopen schools in a graded manner after November 15, there was no clear instruction on reopening of higher educational institutions in the state.
The unlock guidelines of the state government had allowed higher educational institutions to reopen for research scholars (PhD) and postgraduate (PG) students of science and technology who need laboratory access.
Higher educational institutions in the state have been closed since March 16. Although the institutions have been teaching theory online, practical classes have taken a back seat because of the closure of campuses.
A senior professor of Utkal University said UG and PG students could not attend practical classes.
“The government has allowed PG students in laboratory now but it has not allowed opening of hostels. Where will a student stay during the practical classes? It is not possible to hold practical classes online. And without practical classes, how can a student understand the implementation of a theory?” he added.