West Bengal College Reopening: Government to vaccinate students before reopening colleges, Universities

The state health secretary has reached out to its counterpart in the state higher education department, district magistrates and chief medical officers of health in the districts to speed up the process of vaccinating the eligible students. 

West Bengal government has announced that it is planning to vaccinate college and University students before reopening the educational institutions expectedly in November. The state health secretary has reached out to its counterpart in the state higher education department, district magistrates and chief medical officers of health in the districts to speed up the process of vaccinating the eligible students. 

“With a view of possible restarting of offline instructions in colleges and universities, it has been decided to vaccinate all students of such higher education institutions at the earliest possible. The vaccination drive will be organised by the health department in coordination with the higher education department,” the letter stated.

The Durga Puja will begin this year from October 11, the immersion process will continue till October 17. The West Bengal puja vacation continues every year till Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phonta. This year, however, schools, colleges and universities, which are now suspended due to Covid-19, are likely to reopen after the puja vacation

Earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had hinted that the schools and colleges in the state will reopen after the Puja vacation in November. However, the decision will be taken after reviewing the COVID-19 situation at that time. The vaccination drive may be conducted at the existing vaccination centres or college and university campuses.

Meanwhile, some of the Universities have already started reopening their campus. Dean of students, coordinators, medical officers and other heads have been asked to undertake necessary inspections and set up health centres on campus.

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