PUNE: Colleges in the city have started preparations for reopening after the state government’s announcement to start classes from November 1. College representatives said the focus will be on practical sessions and after nearly 18 months of no offline classes, they will start readying the laboratories, machinery and equipment to ensure that they are ready for the reopening.
Principal of Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Seema Purohit, said they are ready to reopen colleges. “We have acquired all the infrastructure for precautionary measures. Even our academic timetable is set in a way that whether it is online or offline, we can follow the same in due course,” she said.
The colleges are awaiting government nod to start the practical sessions as they have noticed that these sessions hampered the most during the virtual sessions. Head of the chemistry department at a city college, Randhir Mishra, said, “The chemistry lab at the college has almost become redundant with 18 months of no practicals for students. We are waiting for the government to give permission to at least begin offline practical sessions so that the students do not suffer. Before the reopening in November, we will have to run a check with all instruments and order new stock of chemical and other such material.”
“A quick decision from the government to reopen is needed some days in advance so that the students are able to prepare their practical work in college. November is still away, but we are ready for the reopening,” said Asmita Jahav, principal of a science college
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