The directors of IITs has requested the central government to consider the vaccination of their students and especially research scholars with more priority. They have asked the centre to look into the possibility of creating a common policy to facilitate the vaccination of IIT students.
This request was presented in a meeting chaired by the Union education minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank with the directors of all central institutes including IITs, IISCs, NITs, IIITs, etc. Mr. Amit khare, the secretary and Mr. Sanjay Dhotre (MoS) of the Higher Education department were also present.
According to the report, the directors of IITs have mentioned that still their are a number of students residing in the campus of several IITs. Also, research Scholars have to visit laboratories in order to continue their fellowship works. Vaccination is important for them and their safety which should also be the priority of institute and the government.
Although IITs have vaccination centres, but the vaccine dose provided to them by the centre are only for 45+ age group candidates. This doses can not be administrated to students. Government is already facing the issue of vaccine shortage for 18+ group. And thus, a common vaccination policy should be implemented for all IITs in order to avoid such challenges.
Officials have said that vaccination is important for students to return to the campus and continue their classroom studies. The vaccination of research scholars visiting labs is more important. This will encourage them to involve in research for fighting against the virus.
Several major IITs like IIT-Roorkee, Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar and Delhi have found a large number of active COVID cases in past few months. All of them have turned some of their hostel buildings into containment zones.
Due to such conditions, the IIT authorities are highly concerned about the safety of students, faculties and other stake holders. The IITs have already setup COVID care centres and are receiving supplies from the centre.