The state government of Maharashtra, a few weeks back, permitted the higher educational institutions to reopen for students who have received both the doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Minister for state higher and technical education, Uday Samant, announced the decision in the month of October 2021, and asked the colleges to consider reopening keeping the COVID-19 guidelines in mind. Institutions were expected to begin colleges in a phase-wise manner and also continue online classes for those who have received only one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
However, it has been weeks since Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) have taken a decision, and this has irked the students.
Reacting to the same, students have expressed their displeasure stating that the administration has not reached out to the queries of the students and has not heard their demands. A total of 168 students have signed the letter written to the management asking them to open the colleges.
A report stated that the students explained how students from marginalised communities are in need of offline classes due to unavailability of proper online resources. Claims were made that the pandemic is under control and other institutions across the nation have opened, however, TISS has not taken a decision yet. Students also mentioned that the lack basic resources like internet, electricity, etc. is affecting their education and students are not able to attend important lectures. Hence, reopening the colleges should be prioritised.
Demands have been raised by research students who said that they should be given the priority as access to labs and library is necessary to complete the project work. A decision regarding the same is yet to be announced.
Students have also taken to social media to express their anger. Hashtags like ‘Chalo Campus’ and ‘Occupy Campus’ were used to share their opinions. Moreover, some students have informed that if no decision is taken anytime soon, then they would forcefully enter the campus. A deadline of November 30, 2021, has been given by the students, and a statement regarding the same was also released by the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF).
An official from the college responded to the issue and shared that a committee has been set up to discuss the matters, post which protocols will be made keeping the reopening possibilities in mind. TISS administration has considered the orders given by the government, however, reopening hostels along with the colleges will need thorough discussions, the decision for which is likely to be announced by the end of November.
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