Bhubaneswar: The State Government on Friday issued an order over closure of higher education institutions with effect from January 10, 2022. The orders will remain in effect till February 1, and shall be applicable on all colleges, technical institutions (except Medical colleges, Nursing colleges and Institutions under the control of Health and Family Welfare Department), an order issued by the Office of Special Relief Commissioner stated.
The orders have been issued with an objective of ensuring strict social distancing and isolation to contain the spread of COVID-19, the State Government said.
As per the order:
- All Colleges/ Universities/ Technical Educational Institutions (other than Medical Colleges/Nursing Colleges & Institutions under control of Health &FW Deptt.) under the superintendence of Government of Odisha shall remain closed with effect from 10th January, 2022;
- The Authorities of Colleges/ Universities/ Technical Educational Institutions shall take all appropriate measures for conducting classes through online/ virtual/ video/ other alternative method of learning mode;
- All hostels in such academic institutions shall also remain closed with effect from 10th January, 2022. Students shall be advised to avoid staying in the hostel in the interest of their personal health. However, scholars, researchers and students who desire to stay in hostel for research/ project works or other academic activities may be permitted to do so subject to student (s) giving undertaking to that effect to the appropriate authorities of the concerned institutions;
- The concerned Departments will bring out detailed SOP/ guidelines/ circulars in this context;
- However, all ongoing offline examinations shall be allowed to continue as per programme by complying to Covid appropriate behaviour;
- Teaching and non- teaching employees of Colleges/ Universities / Technical Educational Institutions shall work as per prevailing guidelines for government servants and perform duty such as taking online classes/ academic/ semi academic and administrative functions etc. as assigned to them by the Authorities;
- Coaching Institutions/ Organisations/ Individuals offering coaching services to students shall not run off-line/ physical coaching/ classes. However, virtual/ on-line coaching shall be permitted to continue.
“Any person found violating the order shall be punished under the provision of Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other relevant laws,” the order stated.
