Delhi University Students Trend #ReopenDU
Recently, Delhi University’s (DU) vice-chancellor, Professor Yogesh Singh, stated that the varsity will take the decision about the reopening of the colleges after Diwali. Afterwards, the Delhi University students turn to social media to demand the reopening of the colleges. Using the hashtags #ReopenDU and #GiveOurCampusBack, the student said that they want to get back to their campus. Additionally, they also requested the commencement of offline classes as soon as possible.
The demands of the students rose after the Delhi Government has allowed the reopening of the schools. According to the new guidelines, schools for primary will resume from 1st November 2021. Earlier, the schools for classes 9-12 were opened from 1st September 2021. However, it must be noted that the schools have reopened with only 50% capacity. Further, the attendance will be completely voluntary.
Recently, Delhi University Registrar, Vikas Gupta, stated that “Let the government publish something in black and white. Then we will decide.” However, DU VC said, “The reopening of colleges will be decided after the Diwali festival. There is a fear that Covid may recur. If the situation remains good, we will think.”
Students, meanwhile, pointed out their miserable condition in the online college. They shared the difficulties they faced in online classes and how education is being hampered. Also, they questioned the authorities that if schools can resume offline classes in the national capital then why can’t the colleges reopen.
To put pressure on the administration to reopen Delhi University, members of All India Students’ Association (AISA) went on hunger strike. The members are on a hunger strike for five consecutive days in DU Vice President’s Office, calling for an immediate reopening of the campus. It is being reported by the students that they have been beaten by police while gathering for a hunger strike on campus. Delhi Police said they had detained 28 students, but denied the use of force.
The university resumed the practical lab sessions for final undergraduate and postgraduate students on September 15. However, the offline classes were not mandatory and attendance was small.
