UGC to consult medical experts before taking decision on reopening universities
View(s):The University Grants Commission (UGC) is to have a round of consultations with medical consultants, to take a final decision regarding the reopening of universities.
Among the issues to be considered will be, the health precautions that need to be taken and the manner the universities should be reopened, UGC Chairman Prof Sampath Amaratunga said.
He said one of the plans currently under consideration is the allowing of about 20 per cent of the university students to return for lectures in selected universities, initially.
The Vice Chancellors of the 15 Universities have been invited for the consultations.
The UGC said one of the other plans it will propose the opening of universities in three stages.
The move comes in the wake of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) urging the UGC to reconsider its previous decision to reopen the universities in May.
“Though the COVID-19 situation in the country appears to be under control compared to other countries, the daily patient count is still on the rise, and more importantly the epidemiologists and medical experts have not ruled out the possibility of a surge in patient numbers yet,” the Union said in a statement.
The Union said the UGC’s announcement regarding a three phase reopening of state universities from May 4 onwards, came as a surprise to the entire country.
“Though all of us would like to see this crisis brought to an end and work resumed as soon as possible, the decision to reopen the universities even before the Government eases the restrictions on social movements seems a bit premature and irrational,” the statement said.
Prof Amaratunge said a group of professors and senior lecturers from the different universities had been appointed to determine how best the universities could be ‘scientifically’ re-opened with the students’ protection in mind.
“Next Wednesday, (April 22) we are meeting and discussing many things,” he said.
“Not all staff members have to report to work, only those living near the University premises and those who have private transport,” he added.
He said priority will be given to academics involved in technology and research.
“We got many requests from senior academic staff to allow the labs to function,” Prof Amaratunga said.
“Most of them are engaged in high end research, in partnership with several other countries and we cannot afford to let the work collapse.”
Prof Amaratunga also said the lockdown has made a positive impact with the university online platform becoming popular among students. He said more students are now engaged in online studies, through this platform.
Meanwhile the UGC had directed the different universities’ chemistry labs to assist in the production of surgical masks which can be sold at a nominal price to students. The students will be requested to wear masks while in the university premises.
“Universities are filled with academics, and they don’t need to be told how to protect themselves,” Prof Amaratunge added.
DW/CC