Post-Lockdown Preparation: Odisha Govt Universities and Colleges Told To Resume Activities

Bhubaneswar: All the universities and autonomous colleges under the Higher Education department have been directed to resume academic and administrative activities in preparation to lifting of lockdown on May 17.

In a direction to vice-chancellors of public universities and principals of autonomous colleges, Saswat Mishra, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Higher Education Department said since 40 days have been lost due to lockdown imposed in the wake of COVID-19, they have to gear up to compensate the lost time.

The Commissioner has directed them to take up preparatory activities for completion of courses in time, conducting the examinations and providing hostel accommodation. The authorities have to ensure all preventive measures against coronavirus during the ongoing summer vacation in the run-up to reopening of the institutions.

They can hold classes, conduct examinations and organise seminars only on online mode during the period upto May 17. No physical presence of students is permitted during the period.

All the teaching and non-teaching staff have been directed to remain in their respective headquarters so that they can join the duty whenever their need arises.