Colleges for final yr students open to thin attendance in TN

Chennai

The government had earlier planned on reopening schools and colleges from November but following parents’ feedback, the decision was postponed. The GO had stated colleges would open for final year PG and research students from December 2.

While announcing further lockdown relaxations, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had said colleges for both PG and UG students would open from December 7.

A senior official clarified that as there was no official announcement from the government, oral orders were issued that colleges for final year PG and research students could be reopened from December 2 if required.

N Pasupathy, president, Association of University Teachers, said as per reports received, many students avoided coming to classes due to fear. “In addition, there is no clarity from the government or officials whether colleges could be opened from December 2 since it was planned that classes would begin from December 7,” he said.

“As per orders, we opened colleges for final year PG science students today. The attendance was poor since students who live close by only attended,” Dr P Murugakoothan, principal, Pachaiyappa’s College, said. He added that all SOPs were strictly followed as well. Dr B Uma Maheswari, principal, Queen Mary’s College, said most out-station students did not attend classes. “All safety measures were followed on the campus,” she added.