MUMBAI: With BMC issuing a go-ahead, degree colleges in the city are set to restart physical classes on Wednesday after almost 19 months.
While rural colleges under Mumbai University’s jurisdiction had held classes for a bit in February, this is the first time BMC has given its nod to restart classes in colleges after they shut on March 17 last year. Most colleges plan to start classes and practicals for PG students from Wednesday.
In a letter to MU, additional municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide approved the reopening of classes with 50% capacity. Only fully vaccinated students can be called back to campus, but the rule won’t apply to those under 18.
BMC to facilitate special vax camps for students on college premises
The BMC directed Mumbai University and its affiliated colleges to follow all Covid precaution when they restart physical classes from Wednesday. In case of unvaccinated students, the the college principal should contact the nearest ward office for a special camp on college premises.
In its resolution on re-opening college campuses last week, the state government had recommended an attendance of 50% or more based on the Covid situation in particular regions. The BMC has chosen the safest option of half attendance.
Many colleges started practicals for junior college students early this month and, therefore, are hoping to start degree colleges in phases too. With exams underway for undergraduate (second and third year) students, they are planning to call their postgraduate students first.
After a survey, N M College in Vile Parle found 45% of its senior college students are vaccinated. “We are currently calling only first year UG and all PG students. From our side, we will be allowing only fully vaccinated students. We have to wait and see how the turnout will be,” said principal Parag Ajgaonkar. St Xavier’s College will be calling their postgraduate students from Wednesday. The MSc students will be called for practicals and the MA batch for lectures, said principal Rajendra Shinde.
Since the university had announced online semester-end exams, there is no point in conducting those from college campuses, said another principal. A suburban college principal said more than 80% of their non-teaching staff from laboratories is on election duty and they may find it difficult to conduct practicals with limited staff.
MU registrar Sudhir Puranik said colleges were concerned about students’ vaccination, but the BMC has directed them to hold special drives on campus. “A circular will be issued on physical classes for university departments too. A list of SOPs has been sent to all colleges,” he said.
Most of the department students are from outside the city and without hostels, the attendance could be poor. But we intend to start our batches in blended mode, he added. The government has directed the higher education director to release guidelines for re-opening hostels in the city.
