COVID-19: Banaras Hindu University suspends offline classes due to surge in cases

In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi has suspended all offline classes till further orders. However, as per the prior schedule, classes will be conducted in online mode.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, the university said that the decision has been taken due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the hostels and in the BHU hospital - Sir Sundarlal Hospital. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting, headed by Vice-Chancellor Rakesh Bhatnagar on Monday, to review the status of studies in the university.

"The Holi holidays for students shall commence from 23rd March 2021. The offline classes will remain suspended till further notice.," read the notice.

The students have also been advised to return to their homes and as per the notice, there shall not be any 'Milan Samaroh' or gathering on the Campus including in the hostels.

"Cases of COVID-19 are rising every day and if the present trend continues it is likely that cases may rise even more in the coming days. Hence, in the interest of safety of the students they are encouraged to go to their homes and leave the hostels by taking their books and study materials with them so that in the event of worsening of the situation they may continue their studies through online classes to be conducted by the concerned teachers and take the examination which may be conducted in the online mode, if the situation so demands," read a statement.

As per the university officials, the situation will be reviewed in the first week of April after which a decision on restarting offline classes will be taken.

Offline classes for final year students were started in the university in February for the first time since last year when the campus was shut for students following the nationwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday (March 22) decided to shut all schools for students up to class 8 from March 24 March till March 31. 

According to the Union Health Ministry, there are 3,036 active coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh. A total of 8,759 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus in the state, while 5,95,743 have recovered from the deadly infection. 

(With inputs from agencies)