Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department has ordered for functioning of all Colleges and Universities in Odisha with 100% staff strength on all working days from July 6.

The department has written to the VCs of all universities and principals of all degree colleges in this regard.

"The COVID-19 situation in the State has relatively improved vis-à-vis the situation prevailing in mid-April. Considering the acute situation prevailing then, 50% Roster Attendance System for teaching and non-teaching employees had been introduced in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) w.e.f. 19.04.2021. Due to thin attendance of employees for almost two and half months, a lot of important work now remains pending. HEIs have to conduct Final Semesters/ Final Year Examinations of 2020-21 UG/ PG Final Semester/ Final Year Students in online mode and publish results at the earliest. Examinations of other non-final year batch students also have to be conducted," the department said in the letter.

"Under these circumstances, the instruction issued for 50% Roster Attendance System is hereby withdrawn. All teaching and non-teaching employees of HEIs have to attend duty on all working days w.e.f. 06.07.2021," it said.

However, all COVID-19 prevention protocols such as face mask, hand sanitization, social distancing, self-isolation/quarantine, etc. shall be strictly followed by Universities/ Colleges employees.

"It is hereby clarified that the instruction of G.A. & P.G. Department of Government of Odisha regarding closure of Government Offices on Saturdays is not applicable to HEIs. However, HEIs will remain closed on Saturdays, provided there is Covid-19 related weekend shutdown declared in that district/ town/ city," the letter added.