The University Grants Commission, or UGC, issued a statement directing universities and educational institutes to ensure the safety of students residing in hostels on Friday 27th March 2020.
The letter addressed to all Vice-Chancellors and principals advises them to “take appropriate measures” to provide health care, safety, food and hygiene to the residing students. Wardens, deans and other support staff have been called upon to assist. To contain the spread of coronavirus, several universities and higher educational institutes vacated their campus before the country-wide lockdown.
The statement issued by the UGC secretary Rajnish Jain said: “Let us not be deterred by the prevailing circumstances and continue to work together for the welfare of one and all.”
Meanwhile, few allowed the students to continue the stay with adherence to safety measures. The decision to vacate college premises during a global pandemic was also criticised by experts. This also let to thousands of students being stuck at railway stations and airports trying to reach home.