Punjab allows opening of higher educational institutions from September 21

The Punjab government on Saturday allowed opening of higher education institutions for Ph.D scholars and post graduate students of technical and professional programmes from September 21. The schools, colleges and coaching centres will, however, remain closed.

The guidelines were issued by Special Chief Secretary (Home) Satish Chandra, in compliance with the directives of Unlock 4.0, issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The open air theatres will be allowed to function with strict adherence to social distancing norms. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres and similar places would, however, continue to remain closed.

As per the orders, online distance learning shall continue to be permitted and encouraged but schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed for students and regular classes.

Chandra said that 50 percent of the teaching and non-teaching staff would be allowed to attend schools at a time for online teaching/tele

counseling and related work in areas outside the containment zones, only as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued on September 8, 2020 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The orders of MHA issued on August 29, 2020 and the subsequent guidelines issued by the state government on September 9, 2020 imposing additional restrictions in urban areas would continue to be in operation, said Chandra.