COVID-19: All non agriculture universities, colleges in Maharashtra to be closed till February 15, announces minister Uday Samant

Faced with the exponential rise in Covid cases in Maharashtra, the non-agricultural and technical universities colleges in the state will remain closed till February 15. Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant, who had held a marathon virtual meeting on Tuesday with divisional commissioners, district collectors and vice chancellors on Wednesday said that the decision has been taken for the safety of the students and will also be applicable to deemed, private and self-financed universities in the state.

Samant said keeping in mind student safety, all colleges will conduct examinations online. All universities have agreed to do so.

“Considering the problems of connectivity in some districts like Jalgaon, Nanded, offline examinations will be held in these districts. All universities have been instructed to set up helplines for students. However, in the wake of poor internet connectivity or power supply issues, if students cannot appear for online exams, they should not worry as they will be given another chance to clear their exams so that they will not lose their academic year,” he added. Further, students who cannot appear for online exams on account of Covid or because their family members are infected, too will be given an opportunity to clear their exams.

Further, Samant said the government has also decided to shut down hostels affiliated to various colleges, by giving advance notice to the students. These hostels will be closed for a specific time period and the universities will implement it during their respective jurisdictions. However, hostels for students from abroad will remain functional.