Restructuring of courses important say experts

New Delhi, August 18: In June, Delhi University's four-year undergraduate programme was scrapped and restored to three years after an ugly tussle between DU and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The university regulatory body has also ordered several universities to scrap similar courses. But experts feel it is more important to think about re-structuring the courses, than fight over the number of years.

The universities which have been ordered by UGC to scrap four-year programmes are the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Shiv Nadar University based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Symbiosis University in Pune.

Unlike DU, IISc was however able to resolve the matter amicably with UGC, and was allowed to retain the programme but with certain changes. "In the matter of institutions like IISc by enforcing such rules UGC cannot afford to destroy innovation in the country.

Elaborate discussions have to be held with the university on the kind of courses being offered. Sending a circular was clearly not the way," said, C.N.R. Rao, eminent scientist and Bharat Ratna awardee.

IISc was allowed to retain the programme after it said that students admitted to the Bachelor of Science (BS) programme will be granted a Bachelor of Science B.Sc degree after completion of the third year and a B.Sc research degree on completion of the fourth year of programme.

UGC says it is against the four-year programme as it violates the National Education Policy of 1986 which envisages 10+2+3 criteria. "The institutions should be allowed to plan their own system. The discussion should not be about whether the course is of six or eight years; I think all it matters is about the course one wants to study," Yash Pal, eminent scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, told.

Pal stresses on bringing reform in the education system. "There is a need for reform in our education system, it should be a continuous process and is of great importance," added Pal. While IISc was able to continue its courses, in the case of the other two, Shiv Nadar University and Symbiosis University, the commission is yet to take a decision.

IANS