Amidst the ongoing pandemic, academic institutions across the globe went online. However, with improving situations, schools and colleges are reconsidering their stand. Schools and private teaching institutes have already re-opened in small cities and towns of the country. Assessing the situation in the state, Karnataka government announced to reopen the colleges from November 17.
On 23 October, Karnataka government announced to reopen diploma, engineering and degree colleges in the state. In addition, both online, offline and a mix of both will be available to students. They are free to opt for either of the modes.
CN Ashwath Narayan, Deputy Chief Minister, spoke to the media, “Those who wish to attend on-campus classes should have their parents’ consent. Depending on the strength, it would be decided how the classes will be held and in how many batches, along with all necessary safety Standard Operating Procedures.”
The government is attempting to ensure students’ welfare at its best. SC/ST, social welfare and OBC hostels will be made open to students. Moreover, the state will make all the necessary transport arrangements.
Following the UGC guidelines, practical classes will be preferred. This is an attempt to compensate for the dearth of classroom learning since months.
Narayan further added that the decision to reopen the colleges was taken after repeated rounds of consultation with all the stakeholders. Every college will have a task force. Also, Deputy Commissioners will monitor the entire functioning at the district level.
The Chief minister B S Yediyurappa will be launching Learning Management System (LMS) portal. It is a step to revolutionize the education of the public sector, especially in the government colleges. It is aimed to help both the teachers and the students and is first of its kind in the country.
