Finance
By: Shree1news, 01 DEC 2020
The Odisha government has allowed re-opening of medical colleges throughout the state from Tuesday, even because it authorised the School & Mass Education and Higher Education departments to determine on resumption of classroom teachings. COVID-19 safety protocols must be adopted within the medical institutes.
“All medical colleges of the state shall reopen with effect from 1st December, 2020. Medical college authorities shall observe all of the SOPs/guidelines with respect to social distancing and prevention of spread of epidemic issued by the central/state government, scrupulously,” a government order stated on Monday.
The government asked the School and Mass Education Division to seek the advice of all stakeholders and determine on the date of re-opening of schools for classes from 9 to 12 in a graded manner.
Equally, the Department of Higher Education was additionally authorised to take the decision about re-opening of colleges and higher education institutes in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, the order mentioned.
It said that all academic, technical, skill development institutions – except medical colleges – will remain closed until December 31 or until such date as determined by the departments concerned.
However the closure of those institutes, the authorities can conduct examinations, consider answer papers and perform different administrative actions, the order mentioned including that online distance studying shall be permitted and encouraged.
It stated that all Anganwadi Centres will remain closed until December 31, and the arrangement for provide of ration to the beneficiaries should proceed.
On the opening of places of worship, the order said, “Local authorities like district magistrates, municipal commissioners may allow public worship in religious/ places of worship with appropriate restrictions, based on local assessment of the situation with regard to spread of COVID- 19.”
Cinema halls, swimming pools, leisure complexes, theatre, auditorium and comparable places will continue to remain closed.
Nevertheless, open air theatres were allowed to perform subject to compliance of safety protocols similar to necessary face masks and physical distancing.
Large meetings of members of associations, clubs, institutions and other organisations should be avoided until December 31, it stated.
Source: A-N
