After DU, JNU, Jamia and IIT suspend classes

After Delhi University, the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday ordered suspension of classes with immediate effect till March 31 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi also directed students to leave hostels by Sunday to prevent the spread of the virus.

The JNU said that the classes will remain closed but routine office work will remain unaffected as all officers, faculty members and staff have been directed to be present for duty.

“In view of the situation arising out of coronavirus (Covid-19), it is hereby notified that all lectures, class presentations and examinations at JNU are suspended until March 31 with immediate effect,” the varsity’s registrar Pramod Kumar said.

The registrar said: “Conducting any event such as seminars/conferences/workshops in the campus during this period that require gathering of people should be postponed…Basic mess facilities will be available to the hostel residents during this period.”

After JNU, the Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday also suspended classes with immediate effect till March 31 and advised students to avoid large gatherings. On Thursday, amid rising coronavirus cases, the Delhi University had suspended classes and cancelled all functions.

Delhi IIT dean of student affairs Rajesh Khanna said: “In view of the current Covid-19 epidemic, as a preventive measure decided by the competent authority, the students are required to leave the hostels positively by midnight of March 15, 2020… There is no need to vacate the room though. Please fill the entry and exit register of the hostel concerned and the mess rebate form. This applies to students currently living in Nalanda and IP Apartments and in offcampus hostels in Katwaria Sarai and Jia Sarai also.”