Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, Uday Samant, on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, announced that the classes for all non-agricultural universities, reputed universities, self-funded universities and their affiliated colleges in the state can start from February 15, 2021.
The state government has given permission to authorities for starting colleges, and the guidelines for which have been issued by the Central and State Government, which the universities will have to follow strictly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision has been taken keeping students' academic interest in mind, however, Samant has asked the officials to ensure the health of the students is kept as a priority. Moreover, the attendance of the students should not be more than 75 per cent, and the rules of the same have been drafted under which the university should offer both offline and online modes of learning.
Minister Samant held a press conference regarding the same and made this important announcement for students and parents. While addressing the media, he said that colleges in the state were closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus. However, the ministry was getting demands for starting colleges and addressing the same, the University was asked to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding the curriculum, examination planning, hostel, etc. by communicating with all the Vice-Chancellors. The video conference meeting for the same was held on February 1, 2021, and instructions were given to the respective departments.
He also said that the decision was taken in consultation with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, keeping the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on November 5, 2020.
Universities and affiliated colleges in the restricted areas of the State which fall under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation / Municipality or Collector and Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority, should consult the concerned University. The decision will be taken for those colleges keeping the COVID-19 scenario at the local level.
Uday Samant said that the concerned universities should start colleges with the consent of the local authorities. The universities have also been advised to prepare guidelines for the phase-wise reopening of hostels and conduct safety audits of the hostels.
Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Registrar, SVKM's NMIMS, talking to Mumbai Live, said, "We welcome the government's decision to open schools and universities. We have received the state government notification today, and are reviewing it internally. We remain committed to student safety, and will issue our plan of action according to the notification soon."
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