Maharashtra Colleges to Reopen from 20th Oct, Only Vaccinated Students Allowed to Attend Offline Classes

Maharashtra College Reopening: The Maharashtra State Government in its latest order has permitted Colleges across the state to reopen for offline classes from 20th October 2021 onwards. The decision to allow reopening of higher education institutions in the state i.e. colleges and universities, was formally announced by the State Higher Education Minister Uday Samant. Mr Samant while announcing the decision noted that colleges can resume offline classes for fully vaccinated students from 20^th October 2021 onwards. Res of the students, who have not been inoculated against COVID-19, will continue to pursue online education through virtual classes.

Hybrid Model of Learning to be Followed

With only fully vaccinated students allowed to attend offline classes on campus, Mr Samant has instructed universities and colleges to adopt hybrid learning model under which classes and teaching can continue in both online and offline modes. Educational Institutions have been asked to design and plan timetables and schedules in such a way that students are able to continue offline or online education as per their choice. Furthermore, to ensure a level playing field, colleges have been asked to ensure that online learning is also continues in the same manner and at the same pace as offline classes to ensure zero loss of education for the students.

Vaccination Camps for Students Around Colleges

To ensure that maximum students get vaccinated, Higher Education Minister Uday Samant also said that Colleges and Universities should plan to hold special vaccination drives and camps. Such camps can be organized in the vicinity of the colleges and students should be invited to get vaccinated so that they can resume attending offline classes. Colleges and Universities have been instructed to plan such drives in consultation with their local administrations and healthcare authorities.

COVID-19 Guidelines to be Followed on Campus

While colleges have been asked to reopen for offline classes for fully vaccinated students, the state government has also asked higher education institutions to ensure that all COVID-19 precautionary guidelines are followed on campus. This would entail Everyone entering the college or university campus has to mandatorily to wear masks, follow social distancing, sanitise themselves and even produce their final vaccination certificates.