Delhi University (DU) Friday deferred its decision to re-open its campus for science students from August 16. DU officials said they’re going to await clarity from the Department of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) before opening the university.
“In continuation of the office order dated August 5, 2021, the instructions issued for conduct of classes for PG and UG programmes in respect of Science Courses in university and its Colleges in physical mode with effect from August 16, 2021 has been deferred,” Registrar Vikas Gupta said in an office order Friday.
On Thursday, an order had stated that science students are going to be allowed for classes and laboratory work.
“Taking note of the amount of Covid-19 cases, it’s been decided that classes and practical/project work etc in respect of PG and UG Programmes students in Science Courses in University and its Colleges shall be conducted in physical mode with effect from 16.08.2021 observing necessary protocol to stop the spread of Covid-19,” Gupta had said.
On Wednesday, during the primary Open Day for UG students too, Gupta had said the university would soon open for science students, but more “caution” are going to be exercised for the scholars of Arts and Commerce.
Several teachers and teacher organisations had expressed apprehensions over the choice , claiming it might be difficult to follow Covid protocol as many classrooms and labs were overcrowded.
However, Gupta said the criticism from the university wasn’t an element in their decision. “We realised that the last DDMA order had said educational institutes should remain closed till August 9. We thought it’s better for us to attend and obtain clarity on what the DDMA has got to say, because it shouldn’t appear to be we’re violating their orders. If they assert education institutes can open, we’ll plow ahead as planned,” he said.
The decision to defer the re-opening of the campus was welcomed by a neighborhood of teachers. DU Teachers’ Association (DUTA) Treasurer Abha Dev Habib said Thursday’s “sudden notification” had resulted in “immense panic”.
