The Panjab University on Thursday decided to hand over four of its hostels to the Chandigarh Administration for converting them into Covid-19 isolation units, whenever the requirement arises amid the pandemic.
The decision was taken during a meeting held under Dean of University Instructions, Prof Shankar Jha.
Recently, the Health Department, Chandigarh Administration had written a letter to Panjab University (PU) saying that the four hostels of the university be handed over to them when they are intimated. As a part of UT’s Covid management plan, these hostels will be used as Covid care centres in case the situation worsens in the city, read the letter.
“On the basis of communication received from Chandigarh Administration
with respect to taking of the Girls Hostel no. 8, 9, 10 and International Hostel from Panjab University, Chandigarh for converting them into Covid-19 isolation unit, PU is dutybound to provide all necessary help to the Administration in this time of emergency,” said an official spokesperson.
The spokesperson said that it has been decided the students can take their belongings by themselves, if possible or through their local guardians, relatives or friends living in the tricity by intimating the warden by April 26. In case they are unable to do so, their belongings will be shifted to cloak rooms.
In case any students have certificates, laptops and other valuable things, information should be provided to the warden for keeping the things in safe place. DSWs are authorized to constitute committee to supervise the process of vacating hostels which would be videographed for the purpose of records, the spokesperson said.
All necessary steps will be taken to keep the belongings with full care and safety. The students need not panic about the same, the spokesperson added.
In the past, the members of Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) had expressed discontent over converting the varsity’s hostels as Covid care centres as many students had left their belongings in the hostels.