Mumbai: The degree colleges affiliated to the University of Mumbai (MU) began the new academic year 2021-22 on Tuesday for second and third year Undergraduate (UG) and second year Postgraduate (PG) programmes by starting regular lectures via online mode. Professors are conducting online lectures from home as they are not permitted to commute by suburban train in Mumbai due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
MU released a circular on Monday stating, “Principals of all affiliated colleges, directors of recognised institutions, university sub-campus at Thane and Ratnagiri and heads of university departments are hereby informed that the new academic year 2021-22 will commence with effect from June 14, 2021. The lectures of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes except for the first year/first part will begin on online platform after the completion of the admission process.”
Following this direction, degree colleges started regular online lectures from Tuesday. Anushree Lokur, principal of Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga, said, “We began regular lectures via online mode starting from Tuesday.”
Pooja Ramchandani, in-charge principal of HR College, Churchgate, said, “We have started online lectures for second and third year students of all UG courses. Professors are not permitted to commute by local train so our teaching staff is working from home. We have not received any guidelines from MU regarding calling professors to work from college campus.”
Baliram Gaikwad, in-charge Registrar of MU said, "We have informed all affiliated degree colleges to start the academic year via online platforms completely. The Maharashtra state government has not given permission for college teachers to commute by suburban train services so professors can continue to work and conduct lectures remotely."
