Uniform academic calendar not possible, says UGC Chairman

New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) Chairman University Grants Commission Sukhdev Thorat today said that introduction of a uniform academic calendar throughout the country was not feasible.

''The country has several geographical and climatic zones because of which it would be difficult to ask universities in all states to stick to a definite time schedule for their academic sessions, though a certain range could be prescribed,'' said Mr Thorat.

His remarks came while answering questions at the Editors Conference on the Social Sector Issues. He was asked whether the government was considering any such proposal in view of the fact that students were facing a lot of difficulties in applying for admission in institutions of other states due to the difference in the calendar.

The UGC Chairperosn said in fact it was not possible to stick to one academic calendar in different parts of even one state.

For example in a state like Jammu and Kashmir, the calendar suiting Jammu may not suit Laddakh because of its high altitude and so a very different climate.

He, however, said a range could be provided like between July and August during which the academic sessions could begin so as to enable students to apply to other institutions.

Mr Thorat said he had written to states in this regard.

Replying to a question about fake universities and fake foreign institutions functioning from one or two room apartments, he said the UGC was alive to the situation and it acted promptly whenever any complaint was brought to its notice.

On a question about the Knowledge Commission suggestion for stripping bodies like the UGCs of some of their functions, Mr Thorat said the Knowledge Commission was coming out with ''so many new ideas which needed to be examined.'' UNI NAZ SB DS1700