Maharashtra college academic year to begin from November 1, decision on physical classes later: Uday Samant

The Academic year in Maharashtra colleges is to begin from November 1, however, no decision on physical classes taken yet, Higher and Technical Education Minister said.

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant have announced that classroom teaching in colleges may not begin from November 1. It must be noted that the academic year is scheduled to begin in November.

While speaking with an English Daily, he said a decision on the online or physical classes will be taken as per the COVID-19 situation during that time. The decision will be taken after holding a discussion with district collectors, who are also the head of respective disaster management committees, being consulted.

"I have said the academic year will begin from November 1. I have not said physical classes will begin from that day. Right now, taking that risk (of starting offline classes) is a big challenge," the minister said.

"We have to consider the fact that not all eligible beneficiaries have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while only 17-18 per cent have got the second dose. If all students had received both doses, we could have thought of starting physical classes," Samant said.

He also said the state government will file FIRs against those firms that will be found discriminating between the students who have passed during the COVID-19 pandemic and others while providing jobs.

"It is not their (students') mistake that they did not have practicals (due to the pandemic). If any industry refuses employment to such students, then FIRs will be filed," he said.

While speaking on the upcoming Chipi Airport in Sindhudurg, the Minister said the facility will be inaugurated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on November 9. 

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