By: Gul Owais
Srinagar: At a time when schools in J&K have been closed in wake of the resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the colleges authorities here are allegedly risking lives of students by not ensuring strict adherence to the set guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Some pictures in possession of Precious Kashmir from prominent and oldest college in the Old City area, Gandhi College here clearly depict that the college administration has failed to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.
“Social distancing, which is one among the major preventive measures is being violated as the administration is not paying any heed to ensure that the virus is prevented from spreading,” sources said.
An examination that was held today at the College witnessed huge rush of the students, however, the college administration didn’t suspend the class leading to students assembling in large numbers in the college premises. “The students and some staff members were seen without face masks in the college premises, this can prove fatal amid the second wave of the virus,” sources said.
“The college administration seems least bothered to implement COVID-19 guidelines are followed in letter and spirit, thus risking the lives of the students as well as the staff,” sources added.
Pertinently, over 150 students and staff members across the Valley have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last one week, thus creating chaotic situations in the educational institutions.
After detection of positive cases in schools, the government decided to suspend the class work up to 9th standard for two weeks and from 10-12th standard for one week to prevent the virus from spreading.
Meanwhile, Director Colleges, Peerzada Muhammad Yosuf chaired a meeting in Srinagar on Monday. He stressed upon the college authorities to ensure strict adherence to COVID SOPs and guidelines.