Delhi Universitys Academic Council Approves Dual Degree Programmes

The Delhi Universitys Academic Council has approved a proposal to implement dual degree programmes, which allow students to pursue two academic degrees simultaneously through regular and open learning modes.

New Delhi: The Academic Council of Delhi University on Thursday approved a proposal to implement dual degree programmes, allowing students to pursue two academic degrees simultaneously through regular and open learning modes. The decision was met with dissent by teachers' representatives.

Special Moderation for Students Facing Adverse Circumstances

The council also approved a provision for special moderation for students facing adverse circumstances that hinder their ability to complete the course within the stipulated time. Such students will be given a special moderation to the extent of a maximum of 10 marks for a single leftover paper in addition to any grace mark already applied. Students who could not appear in exams due to COVID-19 barring them from completing their degree will also be given a special chance to complete the course.

Other Approvals

The promotion guidelines for teachers of departments and centres of the University of Delhi were also accepted with some modifications. A provision has been made to completely waive tuition and hostel fees of orphaned students enrolled on reserved seats at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. During the meeting, some syllabi of different departments as per the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework-2022 were also approved.

Twinning Degree with Foreign Institutions Deferred

Meanwhile, a proposal to offer twinning degrees with foreign institutions was deferred by the council amid protests. It will be tabled for consideration in the next meeting. Elected member of the Academic Council, Mithuraaj Dhusiya, said that the university was forced to take back the agenda after strong protests from the members. The university admitted that homework needs to be done on this issue before it can be placed in the AC meeting for discussion.

Other Proposals Postponed

The council also postponed the proposal to offer 40 per cent of courses as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through the Swayam portal after opposition from a section of the council members. The AC will be reconvened on the agenda item strategic plan 2022-47 as its members did not want a rushed decision on long-term planning for a public-funded university like DU, said Maya John, assistant professor.

Opposition from AC Members

The AC members also opposed changes in the rules for the promotion of university department teachers, lapses in admission through CUET, among other proposals. They raised concerns related to the displacement of ad-hoc teachers, delay in releasing the salary of teachers and pension of retirement teachers, granting of maternity leave to ad-hoc employees, among other issues.

Dissent Note by DTF

The members of the Left-affiliated Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) submitted a dissent note over the changes in the promotion rules, condemning its passing in the meeting.

The 1016th meeting of the Academic Council held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh started after a brief halt amid opposition by the AC members over the new promotions rules. Despite the approvals and decisions made, the meeting witnessed significant dissent and opposition from various members, highlighting the need for further discussion and deliberation on several proposals.