Colleges reopen to low attendance

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 21

With the reopening of colleges amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a less number of students attended classes at most of the city colleges today.

In some colleges, less than 100 or 50 students attended classes, as per information. Besides, a few colleges, including Arya College and Arya College for Girls, have not been reopened due to the ongoing college exams.

A less number of students were witnessed in classrooms at the Government College for Girls (GCG), Ludhiana. A teacher at the College said students have appeared in less numbers on the first day after reopening of the college.

The teacher said, “I have received calls from some students who said their parents have not allowed them to visit the college amid the pandemic. However, the syllabus have already been completed through online classes. We can’t force any student to come to the college.”

Dr Gurpreet Kaur, principal, GCG, Ludhiana, said: “A less number of students appeared to attend the classes today. We are hopeful that more students will start attending the classes in days to come.”

Dr Sehijpal Singh, principal, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, said: “The government has allowed reopening of the colleges but a less number of students visited the college today. It has been observed that most of the students like to attend online classes these days due to Covid-19. We cannot force them to visit the college.”

Dr Rajesh Marwaha, principal of Kamla Lohtia SD College, Ludhiana, said: “We have started following odd and even formula (on the basis of roll numbers) for students to attend classes at the college so that social distancing be maintained. But, a few students visited the college today. As of now, most of the students are preferring online classes.”

However, principal of SCD Government College, Ludhiana, Dharam Singh Sandhu, said: “A good number of students visited the college today. The students were excited for attending the classes which will be held on a regular basis now. We have advised them to maintain social distancing and follow all guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19.”

Guru Teg Bahadur National College, Dakha, principal Avtar Singh said: “Around 30-40 per cent students attended the college today. However, we have given option to them either they study online from home or visit the college. The guidelines for the prevention of Covid are being followed by the students.”

Those students who are visiting colleges were advised to follow the Covid-19 guidelines.

Few remain closed due to exams

In some colleges, less than 100 or 50 students attended classes, as per information. Besides, a few colleges, including Arya College and Arya College for Girls, have not been reopened due to the ongoing college examinations.