Delhi University announces resuming Science classes offline; students, teachers have mixed reaction

Delhi University (DU) has issued an order to resume UG, PG Science classes in offline mode from August 16, 2021.

The University of Delhi (DU) has issued an order to all the colleges and heads of departments to resume science classes in physical mode from August 16. The order states that offline classes should resume observing necessary protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In its order, the Delhi University has stated that all colleges, its centres and various departments shall be fully functional and all teaching and non-teaching staff shall attend the duties at their workplace with immediate effect.

The COVID-19 cases have gone down in Delhi compared to the situation in April-May, taking a note of that the DU administration has been decided that classes and practical, project work etc. in respect of postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) Programmes students in Science Courses in University and its Colleges shall be conducted in physical mode with effect from August 16.

For Arts and Commerce and other courses, the online teaching and learning activities shall continue as per the notified academic calendar.

“The Principal of Colleges and Provost of Hostels shall ensure strict adherence to all the guidelines while providing accommodation for eligible outstation students in consultation with Dean Students' Welfare and Proctor of the University. It is reiterated that the Principals / Directors / Heads of the Colleges / Centres / Departments shall ensure at all times, COVID appropriate behaviour and strict adherence to all guidelines/orders issued by UGC. MoE, MHA and MoHFW,” reads the order.

'Mindless move by DU administration'

However, the announcement to resume offline classes have not gone down well with the teaching and student community. They are of the view that many of the students of DU are from North-East and other regions of the country where COVID-19 cases are still high and calling them to attend physical classes is not a wise decision.

“It is easy to write that all protocols should be followed but how to ensure that they are followed or in fact can be followed. In both UG colleges and Science Departments, there is overcrowding in classrooms and labs. MSc Physics Dept has more students than can be actually accommodated. Can the University expect students to return to Delhi and find accommodation in 10 days?,” said Abha Dev Habib,_Treasurer of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA).

The teachers have also alleged that the University has not cared to publish any report on how many students, teachers and karamcharis have been able to get themselves and their families vaccinated. They allege that the Notification declares that COVID cases are decreasing even as there are reports which predict third wave building anytime now.

Delhi reported around 70 COVID-19 cases yesterday with two people losing their fight against the virus, there are more than 550 active cases in total in the national capital. With various reports suggesting the third wave in August, parents and students are worried.

Manish Kundu, a student of DU, who is from Odisha said: “The number of COVID-19 cases have not gone down in my state. There are restrictions in place and my parents are still worried about the third wave. It will not be easy for me to travel to Bhubaneswar and then to Delhi within 10 days to resume my classes.”

V.S. Dixit, a DU faculty said: “Delhi University is a central institution and students from all over India come here to study, not only the children of Delhi study here. Corona continues to wreak havoc in South and Northeast India. We have a large number of students from these states who are in their home town at present. In such a situation, how will the letter issued below be complied with? We still remember how we lost some of our finest faculty members and bright students in April-May.”

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