The National Institute of Technology in Srinagar will re-open on October 15 after a two-and-a-half month shutdown, according to Higher Education Secretary R. Subrahmanyam.
“The situation is getting back to normal. We consulted with the State government and the Chief Secretary gave us the go-ahead,” Mr. Subrahmanyam told The Hindu .
The centrally-funded institution suspended classes with an order issued on August 2, just days before the abrogation of Article 370, in expectation of disruptions in the Valley. The weekend before Parliament voted on the issue was chaotic for NIT students, many of whom hail from other parts of the country, as the Institute’s hostel was also closed down. In the weeks since, final year students have struggled with placements, while new students admitted to the institution this year have been left stranded for the first two months of their course.
“All students can return by October 15, including those who have been allotted admission this year,” said Mr. Subrahmanyam.
On August 16, the institution’s Dean of Academic Affairs issued a notice to students that “as soon as network is restored in the Institute, we will be able to update you regarding joining back to the Institute”.
Internet services have still not been restored to the Kashmir Valley, but the Secretary said that would not hinder the restoration of classes. “Internet is not a must for the teaching and learning process. First of all, we wanted to ensure that the institution could be reopened,” he said.
