Video Producer: Varsha Rani
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
After several protests by students of Delhi University, the University is set to reopen from 17 February for the first time since March 2020.
The announcement came as a relief to many but it's a major concern for outstation students, like me.
I am a resident of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh and currently I'm pursuing LLB from Faculty of Law, Delhi University. Ever since the pandemic started, I have attended all my classes online.
On 4 February, the University came up with an official notification saying that only non-teaching staff is allowed inside the campus and all our classes will be held online. The classes, as well as our examinations, will be held online. So, the students and the teachers need not come to the campus.
Notice from Delhi University on 4 February.
Photo courtesy: Prafulla Krishna
But on 9 February, the University came up with a notification that it would reopen from 17 February. I mean, is this a joke? How will students come and settle in Delhi in 7 to 8 days?
Notice from the University of Delhi on 9 February about reopening of the campus.
Photo courtesy: Prafulla Krishna
Housing and Travelling Woes
Azamgarh is 800 km away from Delhi, saying on 9 February that the University would reopen on 17 February is a problem in itself. How am I supposed to book my train tickets at the last minute and get a confirmation?
In just a matter of a week, we have to attend our classes, reach Delhi, look for accommodation. It is physically, mentally and financially draining for the students. This is completely illogical, irrational, and even immoral. The University is not thinking about us at all.
'We're Barely a Month Away From Our Examinations'
There is no logic behind opening our colleges in the middle of our semester, we’re barely a month away from the semester examinations. It has already been decided that 23 March is going to be the last day of teaching and from 4 April, we will have our semester exams. So, what is the logic or the rationale behind opening our college right now?
Notice from Faculty of Law, Delhi University.
Photo courtesy: Prafulla Krishna
What the University should have done is to have announced that the campus would reopen from the next semester. So that those who are far away from Delhi, would have made their arrangements in the meantime.
I request the University to take it into consideration that there are several students who are living far away from Delhi and are going through their own losses.
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