UGC Issues Guidelines For Reopening Of Universities And Colleges After Lockdown

by Souporno Ghosh Student

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines for the reopening of universities and colleges across the nation, in line with the process of gradually opening the lockdown enforced due to COVID-19 pandemic. As per the new guidelines, universities and colleges outside the containment zone can be opened in a sequential manner after consultation with the respective State/UT Governments.

UGC suggests six-day weeks, smaller class-sizes to enable social distancing, however, teaching hours in a day may be extended, as per the institution’s requirements. The state government will decide on when colleges and state universities will resume physical classes. UGC has also asked institutions to keep a plan ready for international students who cannot resume their courses due to travel restrictions or visa issues during the pandemic.

UGC guidelines for reopening schools and colleges

1. Face masks or covers are mandatory and the social distancing rule of the 6-feet gap between people needs to be followed compulsorily.

2. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers whenever possible and 40-60 seconds of handwashing with soap frequently even when hands aren’t visibly dirty.

3. Nose and mouth need to be strictly covered with tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and tissue needs to be disposed of properly. Respiratory etiquettes are to be strictly followed.

4. Everyone needs to self-monitor their health and report any illness at the earliest.

5. Spitting would be strictly prohibited.

6. Installation and use of the Aarogya Setu App could be mandatory wherever required.

Preventative measures by UGC

Apart from the UGC guidelines, a list of preventative measures has also been released by the UGC for resuming college and university classes:

1. Before reopening of any campus, the Central or the concerned State Government must have declared the area safe for reopening of educational institutions. The directions, instructions, guidelines and orders issued by the Central and State Government concerned regarding safety and health in view of COVID-19 must be fully abided by the higher education institutions.

2. The universities and colleges shall be allowed to open only if they are outside the containment zones. Further, students and staff living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the colleges. Students and staff shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.

3. The faculty, staff and students of the university and college should be encouraged to download ‘Aarogya Setu App’