Kerala Colleges to Reopen from 1st January with 50% attendance, Know COVID Guidelines, SOPs Here

Kerala College Reopening News: As per the latest update, the Kerala State Government has given permission to reopen colleges in the state in the New Year, starting from 1st January 2021 onwards. However, keeping in mind the prevailing COVID situation in the state, as of now colleges have been allowed to reopen and operate only with 50% attendance or student strength. In line with the directions issued by the State Education Department, all degree colleges as well as all agricultural, fisheries colleges will resume classes from 1^st January 2021. Meanwhile, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to hold meeting to decide about school reopening today.

Challenge of Poor Attendance of PG Students

Earlier in November, the state government had given its permission to reopen colleges for postgraduate level students with resumption of in-person or physical classes. The reopening process for PG students was carried out by the state government in batches, especially in the teaching departments of State universities, to ensure safety of the students. However, despite the best efforts of the government, The Hindu has reported that attendance of students remained poor, with most departments reporting fewer than 30 students attending in-person classes.

Trimester System Being Considered

Looking at the challenge of poor attendance among students even after reopening of colleges, the state government has asked the Education Department to come with alternative solutions to ensure academic continuity for the students. In line with this, the Kerala State Higher Education Council has been asked to study the possibility of reorienting the academic year by introducing a trimester pattern in place of the usual two semesters per academic year. Through the new system, the learning process would be slowed down for online classes and inturn will help orient students better to the new learning format.