Chandigarh teachers press for single mode of education

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 14

With the UT Administration planning to reopen colleges from next month, faculty members of various institutions have urged the authorities to avoid conducting both online and offline classes.

“The authorities should consider conducting either online or offline classes. In case they allow both modes of teaching, it will be difficult for us. Almost all the faculty members are vaccinated and we have no objection in opening of colleges,” said a faculty member of a local college, seeking anonymity.

As per sources, the UT Administration is planning to reopen colleges after online semester examinations. However, the option of online mode of study would continue for the time being for the students reluctant to attend physical classes and those who are still to be vaccinated.

“There’s no logic in conducting both offline and online classes. It would be an extra burden on teachers. The same has been intimated to the higher authorities. Amid no clear guidelines, it will be difficult for all of us (faculty members) to provide quality education to students,” said another faculty member.

Opening of PU campus

Meanwhile, along with colleges, Panjab University campus is also expected to open after the semester examinations.

“The campus is likely to open after the online examinations. However, the only concern is to adjust the hostellers if a third wave comes. Also, it will be difficult to shut the institutions once they open for students,” said PU faculty member.

“Initially, the plan will be to open the campus for the final year students only. The teachers, meanwhile, are prepared to take offline classes,” the faculty member added.

However, no decision has been taken as of now.