Maharashtra: College Campuses To Be Closed Till February 15, Says Uday Samant

On Wednesday, January 5, Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant stated that taking into consideration the rise in COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government has decided to discontinue physical classes in colleges and universities till February 15, reported news agency ANI.

Samant added that all exams in the said institutions will be conducted online till February 15. Moreover, college campuses across Maharashtra will be closed and teaching will be undertaken through the virtual mode till February 15

Amid rising COVID cases, Maharashtra govt to discontinue physical classes in colleges,universities till February 15. All exams in the said instituitions to be conducted online till February 15: Maharashtra Higher & Technical Education Minister Uday Samant

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/dSrygfqqsE

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2022

Based on accounts, non-agricultural and technical universities and colleges in Maharashtra will be non-operational till February 15. Samant stated that the decision was undertaken keeping the safety of students in mind. He added that the said resolution will apply to deemed, private and self-financed universities in the state as well.

Moreover, all universities are believed to have agreed to undertake online examinations. In certain districts where connectivity is an issue, offline exams will be conducted. Universities have been asked to put up a helpline for students. If owing to connectivity or power issues, students cannot appear for the online exams, they will be given a chance to clear their exams, remarked Samant.

According to narratives, if students cannot appear for the online exam due to COVID-19 or if their family members are infected, they will also be given an opportunity to clear the exams. On the other hand, hostels affiliated with various colleges have also been decided to be closed with prior notice to students.

Previously on Monday, the BMC in Mumbai had stated that schools in Mumbai for grades 1-9 and 11 will remain shut till January 31. This too came in the midst of rising COVID-19 cases. Thane district also followed a similar trend and shut educational establishments for the aforementioned grades. 

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