In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Saturday announced that all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are to remain closed in the state till March 31.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Saturday announced that all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are to remain closed in the state till March 31.
A notification issued by the state secretariat on this day read, "...it has been decided that all Government, Government-aided, private educational institutions - Schools, Colleges, Universities, Madrasahs, Sishu Shiksha Kendra (SSK) and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendra (MSK) will remain closed from 16 March, 2020 to 31 March, 2020 in public interest."
The notification added, "The internal examinations of these institutions will also remain suspended during the said duration. However, the Board Examinations would be held as per schedule."
The Nabanna notification noted that the aforementioned directives have been issued "in view of the evolving situation on the spread of Novel Corona virus (COVID-19), the advisories issued by WHO, UN and Central Government and as a matter of abundant precaution to check its spread in the State of West Bengal."
Earlier, a notification was issued on part of the state government which informed that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur will remain closed till March 31. No classes or seminars will take place during this duration. IIT students were seen leaving the campus today.
Besides IIT, all classes and exams at the Vishva Bharati University in the state were suspended today. Even the hostel will remain closed, informed the varsity, along with any events that were scheduled. A similar directive was issued at IIEST Shibpur as well.
The decision to suspend universities till March 31 has been taken in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC).
West Bengal has till now recorded zero positive cases of coronavirus infection, but the state government is taking every step to check its spread.
The helpline phone number for coronavirus-related inquiries in West Bengal: 1800313444222/03323412600
In India, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country is 83, with two deaths till now. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the central government has launched a helpline number: +91-11-23978046 for coronavirus-related inquiry and support. There are also separate helpline numbers for the different states and union territories.
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