Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government today announced that all Colleges and Universities in the State will function with 100 per cent staff strength on all working days from July 6.
The Higher Education Department wrote to the VCs of all universities and principals of all degree colleges in this regard.
“The COVID-19 situation in the State has relatively improved vis-à-vis the situation prevailing in mid-April. Considering the acute situation prevailing then, 50% Roster Attendance System for teaching and non-teaching employees had been introduced in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) w.e.f. 19.04.2021. Due to thin attendance of employees for almost two and half months, a lot of important work now remains pending. HEIs have to conduct Final Semesters/ Final Year Examinations of 2020-21 UG/ PG Final Semester/ Final Year Students in online mode and publish results at the earliest. Examinations of other non-final year batch students also have to be conducted,” the letter said.
“Under these circumstances, the instruction issued for 50% Roster Attendance System is hereby withdrawn. All teaching and non-teaching employees of HEIs have to attend duty on all working days w.e.f. 06.07.2021,” it added.
However, all COVID-19 prevention protocols such as face mask, hand sanitization, social distancing, self-isolation/quarantine, etc. shall be strictly followed by Universities/ Colleges employees.
“It is hereby clarified that the instruction of G.A. & P.G. Department of Government of Odisha regarding closure of Government Offices on Saturdays is not applicable to HEIs. However, HEIs will remain closed on Saturdays, provided there is Covid-19 related weekend shutdown declared in that district/ town/ city,” the letter further stated.