Though they were enthusiastic, students attending colleges in city on Monday differed in number. Following the guidelines by Higher and Technical Education Department of Maharashtra, colleges re-opened. Most professional colleges including engineering ones have decided not to re-open now. Most students after entering college premises met their friends, interacted with one another. Several students went to Principal’s chamber expressed how they missed him or her, how they missed classroom teaching. Though most colleges did not have any class, the students stayed in the institutions for long. Dr Owais Talib, Principal of Centre Point College addressed students. He urged them to follow all the COVID-19 guidelines. He told them to move freely but with precautions.

 

“I had already planned the speech with an aim to make students be at ease when they come in. After my speech is over, students approached me, expressed their feelings. They said, they are finding many things new in the institutions as if everything has changed,” pointed out Dr Owais Talib. Colleges have taken all the measures. The students have not only faced temperature check, but also were asked to wear the mask. The staff enquired about the health of students. Dr Mahendra Dhore, Principal of Shivaji Science College said, “We started preparations immediately after Minister announced the date of colleges re-opening. Our management insisted to get all the classes sanitized and we did it. We experienced quite enthusiasm among students. They all came to my chamber, met me,most vowed that they would perform better this year. It was really a great moment.

 

I advised all of them to take precautions, follow physical distancing, avoid shake-hands, keep sanitizer with them though college has arranged sanitizer at the entrance and at various places in the premises.” Most colleges are following the 50% capacity rule. They have prepared a time-table in such a way that 50% students attend classes on one day while the remaining ones would come to college the next day. Those remain at home would opt on-line. Ritika Rao, a final year student of LLB final (3 years) studying in Dr Ambedkar College of Law, Deekshabhoomi wants to come to college to attend off-line classes. She said, “Our classes have not begun and now we students have decided to write a letter to our college for starting the off-line classes.

 

We personally feel the off-line classes are better in terms of understanding. We can’t concentrate in on-line classes. In off-line classes ideas of the topics get cleared in a better manner.” Dr Prashant Shelke, Principal of Hislop College made it clear, “There were students but not in large number. About 30 to 40% students came to college. We are mostly conducting on-line classes as more students want that to continue.” Dr Owais Talib pointed out, “We have decided not to force students to attend college. If they don’t want to attend we are there to give them on-line classes. But most students want to attend off-line classes.” Dr Sujata Deo, Professor of Chemistry at Institute of Science stated, “Students came to college with enthusiasm. They told us how they missed us. We strictly adhered to the 50% capacity rule. Hostelites have not yet returned. They would join us in a day or two.” Sharing experience of the first day, Dr Pratik Michael, Vice-Principal of Hislop College pointed out, “Some students approached us with some difficulty in timing. They wanted changes in time table. Many of them are not finding comfortable with off-line idea. Of course it would take some time. We have made all arrangements as per COVID 19 norms.” No clear instructions regarding hostel There are no clear instructions regarding opening of Government hostels because of which majority students who stay in hostel have not joined colleges on first day. Administration has allowed colleges to re-open but in its circular nothing is mentioned about hostel. Colleges too confused so they too failed to answer querry of students.