Tech colleges, universities in Odisha to reopen from Aug 9 – Times of India

The skill development and technical education department have taken such a decision to reopen the educational institution under its administrative control for the final year students after all precautionary measures like complete sanitization and disinfection of classrooms, laboratories, hostels are taken according to the Covid-19 guidelines.

The department has also issued standard operating procedure (SOP) and Covid guidelines to hold offline classes in these institutions. According to the SOP, physical classes will be conducted regularly to cover all chapters of the syllabus irrespective of coverage of some chapters by online mode. “Whenever possible, the physical classroom teaching shall be recorded and shared with absentee students,” said the department sources.

According to the Covid prevention protocols of the department, teachers or staff, or students residing in active containment zones will not come to universities or colleges. Wearing a face mask or face cover will be mandatory. The institutions should ensure frequent handwashing or hand sanitization on their premises. Spitting will be strictly prohibited on campus.

Social distancing (six feet distance) will be adopted in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. If needed, crowded classes can be divided into batches and teaching hours in a day can be extended. Respiratory etiquettes will be strictly followed. One should cover his/her mouth and nose with a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing, said the Covid guidelines of the department.

Educational institutions should encourage self-monitoring of health. Reporting of illness by students and staff should be mandatory. The technical institutions should keep isolation rooms in all hostels ready for immediate shifting of any inmate reporting illness.

“Research activities will also commence in physical mode from August 9 in addition to the commencement of physical classroom teaching for PG, UG, diploma and ITl courses,” said the joint secretary of the department Ajay Kumar Nayak.