Many colleges and universities in Mumbai remain closed as the number of Covid-19 cases is on the rise in Maharashtra once again. The authorities have stated that resuming physical classes for students will be dangerous and might result in a further surge in Covid-19 cases.

Many institutes had resumed the physical classes for final year students in view of the upcoming end-term examinations in April and May. These institutes have shut down the college premises once again for the safety of the students and staff.

Despite the closure of many colleges in Mumbai due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, no clear directions have been issued by the state regarding the functioning of higher education institutes in Maharashtra, which remains one of the worst Covid-hit states in India.

Partial lockdown in Pune

Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in the city, the authorities in Pune have imposed a partial lockdown till March 14, under which all the educational institutes, including schools and colleges, will remain closed to control the spread of the pandemic.

A night curfew has also been imposed in Pune due to the rise in cases across the city. Many cities in Maharashtra had reopened the schools in their areas for higher classes in view of the upcoming board exams, but now students are demanding the government to resume online classes.

A Covid-19 committee has also been formed in Maharashtra to ensure that the board exams for classes 10 and 12 are conducted keeping in mind the safety of the candidates. The first meeting of the committee was conducted yesterday, March 5.

The colleges in Mumbai had reopened in February with 50 percent attendance in classrooms to ensure proper social distancing, but have been shut down again due to the pandemic situation. For now, many colleges are conducting online classes for the safety of students.