Above 18 college students, staff in COVID vaccination priority group: Karnataka Deputy CM

The DCM, who also holds the higher education portfolio, said vaccination for the above groups would be taken up in July in the respective colleges as per the guidelines of the central government after consulting with the officers.

Karnataka government is looking forward to opening higher educational institutions in the state. While speaking on the same Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan on June 24 said all college students above 18 years, their teaching staff and non-teaching staff will be considered as a priority group to administer COVID vaccine.
The DCM, who also holds the higher education portfolio, said vaccination for the above groups would be taken up in July in the respective colleges as per the guidelines of the central government after consulting with the officers.

"Inoculation campaigns will be arranged in the colleges. Validation letters issued by the respective institutions need to be submitted before getting vaccinated. Head of the institution and another officer will be appointed as nodal officers in every institution," Mr Narayan was quoted as saying by his office in a release.

In response to a question, Ashwath Narayan said offline classes will be started once all the students are vaccinated with the first dose.

"Teaching, the learning process has not stopped and it is being continued through digital mode and attendance is mandatory for online classes also," Mr. Narayan informed.

The DCM said existing vaccines are effective against Delta plus variant of the virus also.

Earlier, the Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa while speaking on the School Reopening dates said that decision regarding the reopening of schools in the state cannot be taken yet as students below 18 years cannot be vaccinated and clinical trials for this age group are still on.

Karnataka government has constituted a high-level committee “to analyze, advice and control Covid-19 third wave”. The committee has recommended the reopening of schools in Karnataka in a staggered manner. The committee has also suggested reopening the schools for senior classes first.

Read More:

• School Reopening Updates: When will Schools Reopen in India 2021? Check state-wise list here
• IIT Delhi launches new postgraduate course 'Master of Public Policy'