The Karnataka government decided on Tuesday to continue classes and take exams at state colleges and universities as planned, amid a possible second wave of Covid-19 cases.
“Strict surveillance will be applied to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures while taking courses and exams offline according to the schedule set by universities, as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic could break out” said CN Deputy Chief Minister Ashwathnarayan.
He added that the decision is applicable to all universities, colleges, technical colleges and all other educational institutions that are subordinate to the Department of Higher Education. Ashwathnarayan, who is also in charge of the portfolio of universities, said the meeting also discussed possible ways that a second wave of the pandemic could affect university activity. “Some issues related to organizing online and offline courses, exams for upper semesters and exams for lower semesters were also widely discussed,” he added.
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At the same time, officials confirmed that the shelters that operate under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Backward Classes will continue to operate. “The request is directed to the relevant additional secretary general,” the officials added.
Ashwathnarayan also released a video statement asking students and other system stakeholders to ignore rumors of government decisions: “Let me also humbly urge our students to meet all Covid-19 standards,” he said.
Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar previously convened a meeting called by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa after some institutions such as the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) in Udupi reported new cases of coronavirus since last week.
Other state institutes that have recently reported cases include Maharani Cluster University (Gandhinagar), Sambhram Academy of Management Studies (Bengaluru), Agragami College (Yelahanka, Bengaluru), and Manjushree Nursing College (Kadugondanagalli, Bengaluru). The local authority Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has also designated as safe zones a facility for paying customers and a hostel in the capital Karnataka.
