COVID-19: UGC writes to universities to heed PM’s call

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has appealed to universities and colleges authorities to join the prime minister’s call in the fight against COVID-19.

In a nation-wide appeal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked all the people to switch off lights at 9 pm on April 5 for 9 minutes and light lamps, candles or even shine mobile phones for nine minutes as a symbol of unity in the fight against the epidemic.

In his letter to vice chancellors of universities and college principals, UGC secretary Rajnish Jain instructed them to inform all students, teachers and non-teaching staff to join the gesture of unity while adhering to safety norms.

Jain said all should join the movement in the confines of their homes and not to assemble in colonies or on roads.

HRD minister interacts with academic community

The Human Resource Development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ also interacted with the heads of schools, universities and institutions across the country on April 3 through videoconferencing.

A Press Information Bureau statement said the minister appreciated the efforts of the academic community and students in combating COVID-19. He congratulated the higher educational institutions, including IITs for their research contribution in preparing medical equipment for the treatment of coronavirus.

Pokhriyal also asked everybody to show solidarity by lighting lamps, candles or shining mobile phones at 9 pm on April 5 as per the prime minister’s call “to get new energy to fight the epidemic”.

COVID-19 has claimed more than 59,000 deaths across the globe and 68 in India.

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