Fear of Covid-19 test mars college attendance in Dharwad

HUBBALLI: Even 10 days after reopening, colleges in Dharwad district continue to register thin attendance with less than 10% students showing up for regular classes in a majority of institutions. College managements say fear of taking the Covid-19 test, which is compulsory, is the prime reason for students staying away.
While a delay in receiving test results is also contributing to the mess, parents too are reluctant to send their wards for a Covid test as they fear their child may test positive or s/he may catch the infection at the swab collection centre.Most parents also feel their children may catch the infection in college from fellow students.
PB Kalyanshetti, principal, Government Degree College, said the delay in receiving test results extends to a week in some cases.
“We have requested clinics and health institutes to give results as quickly as possible,” he said. “The issue has been brought to the notice of brass in the health department. We also learnt that parents are more worried over the need to provide a negative certificate in the first place. It is fear of undergoing the test which is the main reason for poor attendance.” Kalyanshetti was confident attendance will improve over the next few weeks.
Mahesh Deshpande, principal, Global College, revealed more than 80% students in the college preferred online classes. “But students need to understand that online classes, while comfortable, are not the solution. Nothing can match regular classes,” he said.
He said students have no interest in attending regular classes and are using Covid tests as an excuse. “They need to be serious about their studies,” Deshpande said. “We cannot force them to attend regular classes, but they should think about their careers and future also.”