Smriti may scrap Delhi University's 4-year UG programme

New Delhi, June 5: This may be the

ministry's first and the most significant decisions after its inception; however, its outcome is still being debated.

Delhi University's 4-year UG programme may be scrapped, despite resent from the DC vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh who made a desparate attempt to convince the representatives of the ministry about the effectiveness of the FYUP (four year undergraduate programme) and its positive effects.

A senior members of the ministry involved with the review of the FYUP said,"Theatre of action is not the HRD ministry but backroom work being done by RSS and BJP-backed National Democratic Teachers Front and other bodies."

However, the decision is yet to be made public and is waiting the final nod. According to a Times of India report, a source said:

"It is a big decision and a poll promise by the BJP. There is a general consensus against FYUP across the left and right spectrum. But the secretary has advised caution. We are discussing it with all stakeholders. The poll promise will be delivered soon. Immediately after the minister (Smriti Irani) joined, there was controversy about her. To scrap FYUP at that stage would have provoked criticism. The idea is to take well- thought decisions. It could be part of the 100-day plan".

The ministry is thinking of a plan to save harassment for the students of the first year in FYUP who may find going back to the old system difficult.

"Students who have done one year of FYUP will find it difficult to get back to the old system since they only did foundation course in the first year. Still, some way out can be devised. New students can be admitted to three-year undergraduate programme," an official suggested.

The fight in favour and against FYUP has also resulted in the administration to win over RSS to its side. An official said,"A small group of teachers who claim close relationship with the RSS leadership have promised the vice-chancellor that they will convince the Sangh on the importance of FYUP. The VC is relying on them but he does not realize that RSS outfits like India Policy Foundation are openly against FYUP. The tide has turned against him," said a senior NDTF element.

On May 30 when the NDTF meeting took place at the BJP State Unit office, most of the teacher activists were against the FYUP. Rakesh Sinha, the IPF director, had alleged that in its long history, DU had never witnessed an arbitrary decision like FYUP.

OneIndia News