New Delhi: The UGC has issued guidelines for opening higher education institutions. The guidelines state that the Vice-Chancellor and the Heads of Institutions may decide on the opening of Central Universities and Central Government-funded institutions of higher learning.
State Governments have the power to decide the affairs of State Universities and Colleges. The UGC guidelines suggest that in the first phase, educational institutions should be open only to research and PG students in science and technology subjects and final year undergraduate students.
Educational institutions outside the cantonment zone are allowed to operate. Institutions should be opened step by step by adopting security precautions. Only half of the students should be allowed at a time. Students who are not interested in going to college should be allowed to continue their studies online. Students arriving from home must undergo thermal scanning before entering campus. The services of a counselor should be made available to address the anxiety and stress of students. The guidelines state that it would be appropriate to continue the online distance learning method, including in arts subjects, and to provide an opportunity for resolving doubts if necessary.
Visits by outside experts, study tours, fieldwork, and meetings should be avoided as much as possible. Quarantine and isolation facilities should be provided for students on campus or in conjunction with hospitals. It is suggested that there should be classes 6 days a week and that the teaching time and the number of classes should be increased.
