Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Non-Government College Teachers’ Association (AONGCTA) has opposed the order of the Higher Education Department on the reopening of colleges across Odisha on June 17 amid COVID-19.
Expressing surprise and anguish, AONGCTA said that the Department has bypassed the state government order of keeping educational institutions closed till July 31 and come up with a unilateral order asking teachers to join duty in their respective institutions on June 17.
“The Department in the notification has not mentioned anything about the duty of the teachers. No students will come to the college, so what will the teachers do there? Moreover, there are about 200 colleges, which have been converted into temporary medical centres (TMCs) for migrant returnees. No outsiders are allowed to enter these premises, then how will teachers enter?” the Association asked.
“The Department has issued the order at a time when the Chief Minister has cautioned the people to maintain utmost precaution during the month of June and July as the intensity of COVID-19 will reach its peak in Odisha,” the Association pointed out.
The Association has requested the Higher Education minister to reconsider the decision for the safety of the teachers at this critical juncture.
Also Read: Dept Order Runs Counter To CM Concern On COVID-19, Says Odisha College Teachers’ Body
