DU defers decision to resume physical classes for science students from August 16

Registrar Vikas Gupta said that the decision was not deferred because of the criticism of the move

The Delhi University on Friday deferred its decision to resume physical classes for science students from August 16.

The university on Thursday had issued an official notification announcing that it would hold classes for science stream students in view of a decline in Covid cases, following which a section of teachers expressed displeasure over the decision to call students to campus.

The new notification issued by Registrar Vikas Gupta said, "The instructions issued for conduct of classes for PG and UG Programmes in respect of science courses in university and its colleges in physical mode with effect from 16.08.2021 has been deferred."

"The decision has been deferred since the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has not issued any guidelines on reopening of schools and colleges. Reopening the campus would have been a violation. We will wait for the guidelines," Gupta told PTI on Friday.

He clarified that the decision was not deferred because of the criticism of the move by a section of teachers.

Professor Hansraj Suman, in-charge of Aam Aadmi Party Teachers' Wing, Delhi Teachers' Association (DTA), said the circular should have been issued after due consultation with teachers.

"The circular was withdrawn because of the opposition by the teachers. There is a possibility of third wave of Covid coming which could be dangerous than the second wave and the decision to reopen the campus was made in haste," he said.

Professor Abha Dev Habib welcomed the new notification issued by the university.

"It is good that the university has reviewed its decision because of responses received. The sudden notification regarding classes and labs in physical mode for science PG and UG courses had resulted in immense panic," she said.

"As the vaccination for 18+ has just started in the country, the university should give time to students to complete their dose. Teaching in overcrowded rooms and labs would have meant health hazards for all. Many teachers and non-teaching staff, who fell ill during the second wave, are taking their first dose of vaccination now," she added.

Habib also said that teachers are waiting for normalcy to be restored.

"As teachers, we are worried about the dilution online teaching and examination has caused. However, the university needs to bring a well-thought of plan. Reopening cannot be a rushed exercise," she said.

The university was closed since March last year due to Covid but allowed final year students to return to colleges for accessing labs and take practical classes in February this year. However, the classes were suspended again in April due to the second Covid wave.