Given that higher education institutions in Delhi are advising dormitory residents to return home, several students have raised concerns about traveling to their hometowns and feared they could become carriers of the infection as several states spike in Covid-19 cases Report.

Last week, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi (IIT-D) advised students to return home after increasing cases on campus.

While the JNU had 64 active cases on campus as of Friday, (IIT-D) recorded 30 cases last month. Delhi University’s Gwyer Hostel, which houses masters and scientists, also reported some cases among students. DU’s examining division was also closed until Wednesday due to rising cases.

Shivam Chaurasia, a PhD student at the JNU School of Social Sciences and a resident of Sutlej Hostel, said: “The administration issued a similar report in March last year, after which several students were returning home. But now there are concerns among them. They know that if they leave, it may take them some time to get back to campus, which affects their work. “

On Sunday the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also wrote to the JNU administration on the same subject. Chaurasia, who is also president of ABVP’s JNU division, said they have called for isolation and permanent testing centers on campus, as well as thermal screening and precautions for disinfection at entry points. “There is no temperature control device at the main gate or at the hostel gates, nor are there disinfectant dispensers,” the group wrote in the letter.

Madhurima Kundu, an MPhil student and resident of the JNU’s Chandrabhaga hostel, said: “Some students have decided to return but the majority do not want because they returned last year and are stuck at home. This circular does not specify how students should deal with online education if their homes do not have internet facilities, electricity, or privacy. “

“Every state experiences an increase in some cases. This time, many young people tested positive for Covid-19 and also had to be hospitalized. In such a scenario, it is not safe to travel as we also run the risk of infecting our families back home. Not many have the opportunity to isolate themselves in their homes, ”said a third-year student at IIT-D, who asked not to be named.

In Jamia Millia Islamia, several students who have returned to the capital to gain access to university resources are now in trouble, although the hostels have not reopened after they closed last year.

“I rented a room to gain access to the university library, electronic resources, and laboratory facilities. But since the administration is now advising students to stay in their homes, it may interfere with my research. With the increase in cases, there is a fear that we may not be allowed full access to laboratories, ”said Khalid Imtiyaz, PhD student at the university.

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