Despite students’ protest, the new system will be implemented from coming session
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New Delhi: In a major development, Central universities on Tuesday decided to implement the controversial choice-based credit system at the undergraduate level from the ensuing session notwithstanding the protest from a section of teachers and students. All universities, including Delhi University, “unanimously” agreed to its roll-out at a crucial meet of the Vice-Chancellors here.
A few sought one more year, but eventually agreed to embrace it from the coming academic session. Sources stated Banaras Hindu University is planning to implement it in phases in different departments. Sources stated that out of 39 Central universities, 37 have introduced CBCS at the post-graduate level. While 13 new universities do not have undergraduate (UG) programmes, 18 had already introduced CBCS at the UG level.
“All V-Cs assured that their preparations are complete and they will be starting CBCS this academic session,” sources said. The issue came up for discussion at the one-day review meeting of Vice-Chancellors of Central universities with higher education secretary V.S. Oberoi in the absence of HRD minister Smriti Irani.
There have been continued protests by a section of teachers and students questioning the “legality” of the programme and rejecting the proposed reforms in the education system as a “crackdown on varsities’ autonomy”.
The next meeting of the V-Cs is slated for October before the President (the Visitor) reviews the institutes’ performance in November. The issue of vacant positions also came up for discussion and it was resolved that all such vacancies would be filled by October. The V-Cs have been asked to file an action-taken report in this regard, sources said.
Universities without accreditation were asked to apply shortly while the UGC assured it would expedite the inspection process. At present, while 17 Central universities have got accredited with NAAC, several others have applied. The meeting also resolved to start a B.Voc programme in all Central universities and to establish a community college on each campus.
Other issues, like a campus connect scheme, creation of centres of excellence, establishment of innovation clubs, alumni involvement, inspired teachers’ network, industry linkages, etc., were also discussed, and most universities have either made satisfactory progress or are in the process and giving them high priority.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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