Patna University returns to normalcy after 10 months

PATNA: Life returned to Patna University (PU) on Monday with the resumption of classroom teaching in all its constituent colleges and postgraduate (PG) departments after nearly 10 months. However, the attendance of students was not very encouraging on Day 1.
At Magadh Mahila College each class was divided into two halves and students were not allowed to visit the gymnasium, common room or canteen.
Principal Shashi Sharma told this newspaper that ensuring social distancing among girls on the campus was difficult. “I tried to make sure that girls do not assemble in groups,” she added.
The attendance of students was also thin at Patna Science College, but everyone wore masks. “All departments have installed sanitizing machines for students, employees and faculty members,” said principal S R Padmadeo.
Patna College principal Ashok Kumar also claimed that only a few students had turned up to attend classes on Monday. He, however, hoped that the attendance would improve soon.
“The guidelines issued by the education department as well as the instructions issued by PU are being followed strictly. No gathering of students is allowed and the entire campus has been sanitized,” he said.
Classes in PG departments of PU also resumed on Monday.
“Only third semester students with odd and even roll numbers are being called on alternate days. They have been informed that they have to follow the safety norms quite religiously,” said PU political science department head Shefali Roy.
Geology department head Atul Aditya Pandey claimed that students were quite happy to come to their classrooms and interact with their teachers after a long interval.