MHA Educational Institutions Re-opening Guideline

MHA Educational Institutions Re-opening Guideline

The Government of India is following a phase-wise unlocking of activities. In days to come, this would also involve
resumption of activities in skill or entrepreneurship training institutions, higher educational institutions conducting doctoral courses and postgraduate studies in technical & professional programs requiring laboratory /experimental work.

This SOP aims to enable safe resumption of teaching/ training activities in skill or entrepreneurship training
institutions, higher educational institutions conducting doctoral courses and postgraduate studies in technical & professional programs requiring laboratory /experimental work.

As far as skill or entrepreneurship training is concerned the same shall be permitted in national skill training
institutes, industrial training institutes, short term training centers registered with National Skill
Development Corporation or State Skill Development Missions or other Ministries of Government of India or
The state government, National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD),
Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), and their training providers.

Similarly, for Higher Educational Institutions conducting Ph.D. or technical and professional programs requiring
laboratory / experimental works will be permitted by the Department of Higher Education in consultation with
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

This SOP outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to
be taken at these institutes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Generic Preventive Measures

The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce
the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (faculty, employees, students, and visitors)
in these places at all times & these includes:

• The physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
• Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
• Frequent handwashing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use
  of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
• Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
• Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
• Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
• Installation & use of the Aarogya Setu App shall be advised wherever feasible

Planning of Re-opening of Educational Institutions

1. The institutions conducting skill or entrepreneurship training institutions, higher educational institutions conducting doctoral courses, and postgraduate studies shall only be allowed to open if they are outside the containment zones. Further, students and staff living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the Institution. Students and staff shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.
2. Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for conduct of skill or entrepreneurship training, doctoral courses, and post-graduate studies including hostels, laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.
3. Wherever skill-based training on equipment is envisaged to be utilized, place the equipment 6 feet apart, wherever feasible, to facilitate physical distancing. Similarly, utilize any outdoor space by relocating equipment outside like in the verandah, courtyard, shed, etc.
4. Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contactless attendance may be made.
5. For ensuring queue management, inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet may be made and be adhered to.
6. The institute should display State helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. to faculty /trainees/staff to contact in case of any emergency.
7. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30o C, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be there.
8. Lockers of students will remain in use, as long as physical distancing and regular disinfection is maintained.
9. Gymnasiums shall follow MoHFW guidelines (available at: (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesonyogainstitutesandgymnasiums03082020.pdf).
10. The swimming Pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
11. Prominently display signages, posters and standees must indicate the dos and don’ts for the staff
    and students.

For more details download the MHA Educational Institutions Re-opening Guideline in PDF format from the official website link as given below.