Bhubaneswar: All teaching and non-teaching employees of higher education institutions in Odisha will be required to attend duty on all working days with effect from tomorrow (6th July).
Principal Secretary Higher Education Department Saswat Mishra has issued a circular to all Vice-Chancellors of all State Universities and Principals of Government/Non-Government Degree colleges (coming under the Higher Education Department)in this regard.
The circular says that in view of the relative improvement of Covid situation in the State, the letter issued by the Department on April 19th of this year with regard to 50% roster attendance system for teaching and non-teaching employees stands withdrawn.
Due to the thin attendance of employees for almost two and half months, a lot of important work now remains pending, the circular pointed out.
The circular said that higher education institutions have to also conduct Final Semesters/Final Year Examination of 2020-21 UG/PG Final Semester/Final Year Students in On-line mode and publish results at the earliest so that career of these students does not get affected. Examinations of other non-Final Year batch students also has to be conducted, one after another, to ensure that these students also do not suffer much due to delayed academic calendar, it added.
However, all Covid-19 prevention protocols such as face mask, hand sanitization, social distancing, self-isolation/quarantine, etc. must be strictly followed by Universities/Colleges employees, the circular stated.
The circular has clarified that the instruction of G.A. & P.G. Department of Government of Odisha regarding the closure of Government Offices on Saturdays is not applicable to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
However, HEIs will remain closed on Saturdays provided there is Covid-19 related weekend shutdown declared in that district/town/city, it said.
