Maharashtra: Call on reopening of colleges by January 20

Maharashtra education minister Uday Samant

Amid signs of COVID cases plateauing and hopes raised high over vaccine delivery starting on January 16, the state government is considering reopening colleges with 50 per cent attendance. Authorities will decide by January 20 when to call students to attend actual classes.

Discussions with Zilla Parishad officials to understand local scenarios will play an important role in finalising the decision, said state higher and technology minister Uday Samant on Saturday through Facebook Live.

The announcement brings some clarity to the long-pending question of reopening of colleges. "In the next 8-10 days, the department will work on taking feedback from ZP officials on the condition of colleges, hostels and whether the quarantine centres in these institutions are closed," said Samant.

The minister said they are also mindful of the fact that there is fear among students, parents and teachers and their protection is of utmost importance to the government. "This is why after taking the feedback, a decision will be taken regarding the reopening of colleges in consultation with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. We will see if separate SOP has to be designed for it," said the minister.

Samant also made a few other announcements, including filling up posts of principals and teachers, and a committee headed by Hrudaynath Mangeshkar for setting up of an international music university.