Govt in a fix over reopening for final UG students on Monday

Chennai

The government had recently announced that the final year classes for all colleges and universities including Arts, Science, Technical, Engineering, Agriculture, Fisheries, Veterinary institutions could be permitted to function from December 7. Further, the opening of hostels for out-station students was also permitted.

However, the attendance was unexpectedly poor when the colleges opened for final year PG and research students and this has become a matter of concern for the authorities.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next that the purpose of opening colleges would be served only when a majority of students attend the classes.

“However, going by the attendance of final year PG and research students on December 2, we are discussing whether UG students would also skip due to the pandemic situation and the inclement weather,” he added.

Pointing out that Anna University had already announced that it would conduct “proctored online” exams for the existing UG and PG students in December, the official said “it would be difficult for the students to attend both classes and online exams simultaneously.” Another official, however, pointed out that they could decide to reopen colleges for UG students on Monday as per the schedule and wait for the response before taking a final decision on whether to continue classes.

N Pasupathy, president, Association of University Teachers, claimed that most final year PG and research students, who attended classes also expressed concerns over coming to the institution since normalcy has not been fully restored in the State. He also said that if institutions open, all students should be benefited and those not turning up would be at a loss.