Pune Colleges, Universities to Reopen for Physical Classes from 11th October, confirms Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Pune College, University Reopening Update: As per the latest update, Colleges and Universities based in Pune will reopen and physical classes will resume for students on-campus from 11th October – Monday onwards. The news about Pune College, University Reopening has been confirmed by the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Making a formal announcement, Mr Pawar said that the state government has decided to give approval for reopening of higher education institutions from Monday in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and even in rural areas. The decision was taken at a weekly review meeting held recently in which the government officials assessed the prevailing COVID-19 situation and the preparedness to allow offline classes.

Only Fully Vaccinated Students Allowed on Campus

While the state government has allowed reopening of colleges and universities in Pune and surrounding areas, it has also done so conditionally with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. All colleges, universities and higher education institutions have been asked to follow COVID-related precautionary norms and guidelines. To ensure safety of students and staff members after reopening, the state government has permitted only fully vaccinated students i.e. those who have had complete two doses on campus.

Negative RT-PCR Test Report Mandatory

Taking strict measures to mitigate any COVID-19 exigency, the state government has also asked all students travelling from other districts, who want to attend offline classes to present a negative RT-PCR report. These restrictions have been imposed to ensure that everyone stays safe and the downtrend in COVID-19 cases continues in Pune. Pune Municipal Corporation has also issued an order reiterating the need for a negative RT-PCR test for students travelling from other districts. The corporation guidelines also suggest that those students, who have received only one dose of COVID-19 vaccination, will not be allowed on campus.

Furthermore, colleges and universities have been asked to follow other COVID-19 precautions including wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and so on. During the initial phase of reopening of colleges, attendance has not been made mandatory as many students who are not prepared to attend offline classes will be allowed to follow hybrid mode in both online and offline manner.