Karnataka to reopen colleges from November 17; Online classes to continue

Colleges in Karnataka to reopen from November 17, the state government announced.

The Karnataka state government has announced that it has decided to reopen the colleges across the state from November 17. Colleges, Universities across Karnataka have been kept closed since mid-March due to a coronavirus outbreak. Now, with this announcement, engineering colleges, diploma colleges and degree colleges will reopen from the said date. This was decided at a meeting headed by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and attended by ministers and senior officials. Students will, however, continue to have the option of attending class personally or online. However, to attend the classes physically, students will have to present parental consent. The number of batches would be decided after seeing how many students decide to be physically present in the colleges.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwath Narayan said, "As per the UGC guidelines, online classes began in October. States were told to decide about opening colleges based on the situation. We presented to the chief minister the preparations made for opening colleges and asked for a suitable date. November 17th, after Deepavali, we are opening colleges for students who want to come and attend the classes. It is optional. Regarding the practical classes, they need to attend. This has been a demand of the students as it is their future."

The necessary SOPs will be followed in the colleges and also in hostels. Each college would have a task force to make sure the proper procedures are followed. Dr Narayan said the opening of other institutions for students would gradually happen in reverse order, from degree level downwards. 

Read More:

• Andhra Pradesh Colleges to reopen from November 2, check details here
• Colleges to end academic year by July 2021: Gujarat Education Department