IIEST, Shibpur, has decided to recall 189 research scholars “with immediate effect” so that they can resume their academic activities, said an official of the institute.
Their research activities took a hit after their access to laboratories and research facilities was barred because of the pandemic.
Some of the research scholars were recalled late last year after the Centre in its Unlock-V directive had said that higher education institutions could reopen from October 15 for research scholars and postgraduate students in technology and science streams requiring laboratory/experimental work.
But they had to return home following the renewed surge in cases, said an official of the institute.
Other institutes like IIT Kharagpur, NIT Durgapur have begun recalling the research scholars following drop in cases.
“Of the 380-odd students, 189 have been recalled to resume their activities in labs. The remaining would be recalled later,” said Debaabrata Majumer, the dean of students.
The returnees must have taken at least the first dose, the institute will take steps to provide the second jab, he said.
The students’ senate of IIEST Shibpur last month had shared a list of 142 final year BTech-MTech students with the authorities demanding that they be called back to the campus to attend placement interviews or classes, because connectivity problems and frequent power outages at home were coming in the way.
No decision has been taken as yet to recall students at any other level, said Majumder.
