COVID-19 lockdown: Dispur asks VCs of 17 universities to submit innovative ideas

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Dispur has asked the Vice Chancellors (VCs) of 17 universities in the State to submit ideas and innovative measures to compensate for the academic losses of students due to the ongoing lockdown.

Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently had a video conferencing with the VCs and asked them to submit their plans of action at the earliest so that the government could take a decision after May 3. Sources in Gauhati University said the varsity has decided to reopen in June and conduct the postgraduate examination in August and the undergraduate exams in July. Since GU has already withdrawn this year’s summer vacation, the university is confident of conducting classes at its campus and affiliated colleges during July. Losses in April and May could be compensated if the classes are held in July.

On other hand, a notification issued by the Gauhati University on Tuesday stated that admission to the degree courses would be completed by July 15 subject to the declaration of Class-XII results in time. The UG examinations for the second, fourth and sixth semesters will be held simultaneously in July. All PG examinations will commence after August 15. New academic session will commence by September 15.

In the notification, the GU has said that the above steps have been taken with the assumption that academic activities of the State will restart from June 1. The schedule may be subject to change.

Even though Cotton University has not yet decided on the time of reopening the institution, it has agreed in principle to go for holiday cuts during the Durga Puja, Diwali and few other festivals once the situation becomes normal. The winter vacation of Cotton University might also be cancelled.

Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University has planned to reopen in June. The university is planning to organize classes for 35 to 40 days for students and examinations in August. Teachers and students of the university are ready to have classes on Sundays and summer vacation.

Students of the universities are set to lose 65 days if the lockdown continues till May 30. Classes have been remained suspended since March 17.

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