Delhi University announces resumption of on-campus classes from Feb 17

Delhi University (DU) has issued an order announcing commencement of classes in physical mode for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses from February 17.

The order said that all students staying outside Delhi should plan to reach New Delhi in such a manner that they can complete three days of isolation before reporting to their respective colleges or departments.

According to the order issued by the varsity, a committee was constituted by Delhi University vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh to consider resumption of on-campus classes. The committee took the decision after deliberations with the deans of faculties, heads of departments, principals of colleges, directors of institutions and provosts of hostels.

Noting that it is difficult for the students in different parts of the country to reach Delhi at a short notice in the prevailing situation, the committee said that appropriate time is required for students to arrange for their travel from their respective hometowns.

"Based on the recommendations of the committee, it is notified that offline classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses shall begin with effect from February 17," said the order from DU.

The order further stated that libraries, laboratories and canteens of the university colleges, departments and centres shall be functioning with effect from February 17 by strictly adhering to COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the ministry of home affairs, the ministry of health and family welfare, and the University Grants Commission.

"The deans of faculties, heads of the departments, principals of colleges, directors of the institutions and provosts of hostels shall ensure that all the teaching, non-teaching staff and students follow COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times to prevent the spread of COVID-19," DU’s order stated.

The varsity has also directed the authorities concerned to ensure that the premises of the departments, colleges, centres and hostels are properly ventilated and sanitised.

Colleges under Delhi University were closed on March 19, 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The varsity had given a go-ahead to resumption of practical sessions in February last year, but after the emergence of the second wave, they were suspended in March.

In September, the university allowed final year undergraduate and postgraduate students to return to campus. These offline classes were also suspended in view of rising coronavirus cases.