Afsal Rahman | India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI, MARCH 23 – As the country embraces a complete lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus menace, universities across the country have given precautionary measures to students. Most of the universities have shut down their regular activities and are looking for alternative methods to compensate for the loss of academics.
Jawaharlal Nehru University has shut down all its regular academic activities including seminars, discussions and interactive sessions until March 31. M Jagadeesh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of the University in a letter dated 20th March urged the students not to panic but to be aware and vigilant in taking appropriate precautions. The University has advised vacating the hostels and observe social distancing.
Aligarh Muslim University on 19th March closed Moulana Azad Library as a precautionary measure. In a circular dated 14th March 2020 Abdul Hameed IPS, Registrar of the University stated that ” All conferences, seminars, lectures, workshops, hall functions, sports events and other events are postponed till 31-03-2020″. Prof.Tariq Mansoor, Vice-Chancellor, AMU on Monday suggested the ” teachers to make available the study material online.” ” They are also urged to regularly upload the study material online. Additionally, the study material can also be circulated via WhatsApp and/or e-mail. ” – He added.
Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi has suspended all classroom transactions till March 31. However, the administration has encouraged the faculties across departments to reach out to students through WhatsApp, e-mail and other online platforms. In a letter to students Prof Najma Akhtar, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia urged to comply with the advisories given by concerned agencies from time to time. The University has also closed down its central library as a precautionary measure.
The University Of Hyderabad, through a circular on Thursday signed by Registrar, P Sardar Singh said: ” All the Deans/Heads/Directors of concerned Schools/Departments/Centres/administrative
Heads are at their complete discretion to consider the practicability of allowing 50% employees, to work from home and the remaining staff may necessarily attend office during working days while ensuring the smooth functioning of their respective offices,” The University has also directed students to vacate the hostels by today evening.
The Union Ministry of Human Resources Development had earlier asked different universities to take precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus in the campuses. It has also ordered universities to postpone exams and find alternative methods for academics to ensure no gathering takes place at the university spaces.
