West Bengal: Meeting of V-Cs called to discuss reopening of colleges from November

On September 22, the UGC had issued a notice asking universities in the country to wrap up the admission process for first-year students by October 31 and resume classes from November 1.

Partha Chatterjee, west bengal universities, west bengal vcs meeting, west bengal universities resumption, indian express news

Educational institutions in the state have been shut since March 16 following the outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown. (Representational)

With the University Grants Commission (UGC) issuing a notice for the resumption of new academic session from November 1, the state Higher Education Department has convened a meeting of vice-chancellors of all state universities on Sunday to discuss the possibility of reopening the colleges and universities from November.

The meeting will be presided by state education minister Partha Chatterjee and will be held online. According to an official, the modalities and challenges for reopening of colleges and universities will be discussed.

Read | As colleges prep to reopen, some campuses to act as isolated spaces, many to offer COVID scholarships

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On September 22, the UGC had issued a notice asking universities in the country to wrap up the admission process for first-year students by October 31 and resume classes from November 1.

Educational institutions in the state have been shut since March 16 following the outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown. However, exams for the final semester will be conducted online in October.

Read | Schools, Colleges reopening: 5 things to know before going to campus

“The UGC guidelines for reopening of colleges and universities will be discussed. Also, discussion will be held on how to reopen the institutes maintaining state and central health safety guidelines. Measures such as online as well as offline classes will also be discussed. Transport remains a big challenge as local train services are suspended,” said a senior official.

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