DHE directs GU, college staff to get inoculated by July 31

Team Herald

PANJIM: With almost 11 per cent of the teaching and non-teaching staff yet to be inoculated, the State government is in no mood to start the physical classes for college students till the entire faculty receives its first vaccine jab by July 31. 

In a circular issued to the Goa University and Government and aided colleges, the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) on Thursday said the State government is planning to start classes in physical mode once the present pandemic situation turns normal. 

“It is expected to achieve 100 per cent vaccination of all teaching and non-teaching staff before classes start in the physical mode for ensuring the safety of all concerned, especially students,” Director of Higher Education Prasad Lolayekar stated in the circular. 

The DHE informed that as per the inputs collected from the colleges and Goa University, a week ago, on COVID vaccination, it is known that nearly 11 per cent of teachers and staff have not yet taken their first vaccine dose. 

“Now, it is informed that all teaching and non-teaching staff of the colleges and Goa University should take at least the first vaccine dose by July 31,” the DHE said. 

The staffers, who fail to get themselves vaccinated by July 31, are directed to produce RTPCR COVID report, every week, for attending duties from August 2 onwards. 

The DHE has also said that the staffers, who are not able to get vaccinated due to medical reasons, should produce the certificate in this regard from the Medical Board, constituted by the Goa Medical College (GMC). 

“The teaching and non-teaching staff members shall also ensure that their family members are fully vaccinated,” it added. 

The Goa University and the colleges are directed to submit the status report on vaccination by August 4. 

The academic term of the colleges is set to commence from September 1, while for schools it started from June 21 via online mode.