In a video conference meeting held between Vice-Chancellors of various Maharashtra universities and State Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant, the Vice-Chancellors recommended the state to ensure access to all students when colleges finally reopen, regardless of whether they’re studying online or offline. The state also sought the opinions of local civil administrations with regard to opening universities.
They also suggested the establishment of new rules for colleges with residential facilities and separate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to match the local conditions of universities across the state. This virtual meeting was held on the evening of Feb 1.
Also read - Mumbai Colleges To Bring Changes To Online Examination Process
This comes as many across the political spectrum, including Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, have raised questions on the state’s decision to keep schools open but keep colleges and universities shut. Meanwhile, Education Minister Samant had said last month that a decision on the reopening of colleges will be taken by the end of January.
An official from the State Higher and Technical Education Department said, “Several challenges were put forth in the discussion today to ensure effective planning. Foremost was a hybrid way of education, which will ensure offline as well as online colleges. Unlike schools, college students come from faraway places. Many also take admissions to colleges and universities in different districts or different states for higher education. In such cases, hostel accommodation becomes important.”
Read - Maharashtra Govt Likely To Reopen Colleges And Universities Soon
“But in the current pandemic, room sharing dynamics of hostel accommodation have to change, reducing the capacity of any hostel. So restrictions will have to be put on how many students will be allowed. Many have opined that those with more or only practical sessions need to be given preference,” the official added.
Officials and college administrators are also concerned about holding examinations in these uncertain times. “In higher education, with different patterns of education, how to conduct exams is a very serious concern. The most important decision will be to bring an equal parameter if education will be in two different modes,” an official familiar with the matter said.
A detailed report on the recommendations will be sent to the Disaster Management Committee in around two days, following which a final call will be taken by the State Government.
Also read - Decision On Re-Opening Colleges In Maharashtra By January-End: Uday Samant
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