COVID-19 impact: West Bengal schools, colleges, universities to remain shut until June 10

All government, government-aided, and private education institutes and training institutes in West Bengal will remain closed until June 10.

All government, government-aided, and private education institutes and training institutes in West Bengal will remain closed until June 10. According to the reports, the Department of Higher Education in West Bengal issued the order regarding the closure of the academic institutions.

Soon after the issue of this order, Vice-Chancellors of all the universities in the state received an official notification stating, ‘In view of the prevailing situation on the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the West Bengal government has ordered the closure of all education institutes till June 10.

However, the department allowed the functioning of administrative departments of colleges and universities like the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Finance/Examination Department, Head of the Institute including emergency services like water supply, cleanliness, electricity, security, etc. during this period under strict observance of COVID-19 protocol. The education department clearly stated that the decision on opening essential services will be taken by the heads of the respective institutes.

While the hostels of the Universities and colleges will remain closed until June 10, 2020. However, the authorities are directed to make adequate arrangements for the foreign students who were not able to leave the campus before lockdown. The arrangements must be made as per the medical protocol directs the official notice. During this period, no visitor will be allowed in the hostel without taking prior approval from the Head of the concerned University/college.

The central government announced the extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown on April 14. According to the official announcement, the lockdown will now end on May 3. However, there is uncertainty regarding the reopening of the academic institutions considering the prevailing health crisis in the country. Meanwhile, institutions are trying their best to prevent academic loss of the students by conducting online classes, webinars, and sharing assignments as well as study material through WhatsApp and other social media platforms.  

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