COVID 19: Universities, colleges reopen with 30 % staff, classwork to remain off till May 30

JAMMU, MAY 6:   Universities and Colleges reopened in Jammu and Kashmir with 30 percent staff on Wednesday. However, classwork will remain off till May 30.

“in the interest of administration, it is hereby ordered that office of Vice-Chancellors including Head of Departments and Principals of Government Degree Colleges of Higher Education Department and Principals of Polytechnic Colleges and ITI’s of Technical Education Department across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall start functioning from 06-05-2020 (Wednesday) with minimum 30% staff strength on a rotation basis,” read an order issued Higher Education department.

Besides, Principals of respective Institutions shall draw duty roster of teaching staff to start pending work of evaluation/assessment, virtual class-work, lab work, curriculum development, scholarships and other activities assigned by the Principal of their institutions.

Similarly, the duty roster of non-teaching staff on rotation basis shall also be drawn to start routine official work as assigned by the controlling officer of the institution. Research Scholars are also permitted to start their activities in the lab while strictly observing the COVID-19 protocol.

Meanwhile, all staff detailed for duties shall observe/follow COVID-19 protocol and safety precautions issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI from time to time particularly regular hand wash/sanitization and maintaining proper hygiene, the mandatory wearing of a mask, maintaining social distance etc.

Pertinently, Advisor to LG, KK Sharma, had also held a detailed review meeting with the Principal Secretary Education and Secretary Higher Education regarding the status of preparation of online content and various centrally sponsored schemes. It was suggested in the meeting that the administrative staff of all education institutions and polytechnics should be asked to resume their duties for successful implementation of CSSs and preparation of online content keeping in view the protocols set in place for COVID-19.