File Photo: Delhi University.
Students at Delhi University (DU) will now have an opportunity to work in the Vice Chancellor's (VC) office and contribute to policy making, updating archives and other administrative works related to the functioning of the varsity.
DU is inviting applications from students for a four-week internship in the VC office, housed in historical Vice Regal Lodge, which has always been just an imposing white colonial building, the workings of which they have never been allowed to see and thereby understand.
In the first phase, the varsity has received over 5,000 applications for 50 positions, following which certain amendments have been made in the selection process to filter the large number of applications.
"We have invited applications from semester II and IV students enrolled in various courses at DU. The select 50, will work from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on week days with officials of the VC Office on various projects connected with the university. Weekend duties may also be assigned," DU's Joint Dean of Students' Welfare Malay Neerav said.
The interns will work on five projects which include updating university archives, inspecting and ensuring readiness of colleges for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) visit, policy making for upkeep of University guest houses and defining role of DU in contributing to the local economy.
"First, the students will work on updating of university archives and historical literature available at Vice Regal lodge. In the second project, the students will visit various colleges and check whether they are ready for the inspection for NAAC accredition scheduled in August this year."
"If there are any loopholes they will make suggestions and ensure that the pending tasks are completed in due time," he said.
DU has two guest houses -- one each for foreign and domestic visitors, Mr Neerav said adding, "students will chart a policy for their upkeep including the dishes, the room decor, amenities and other housekeeping activities, in order to ensure that world class facilities are available at the two properties."
"In the last project, the interns will work on policies on how DU can contribute to economy in its nearby areas. For instance, space allocation and other measures for smooth functioning of vendors, 'khomchawalas' and auto-rickshaw drivers.
"The students will collect data and suggest how their earnings can be improved without hindering the varsity's functioning. Also on the agenda will be issues like making roads safer for pedestrians," he added.
The internship is aimed at giving the students an idea about the functioning at the VC office and what goes in running a university.
The selected students will report to the Vice Chancellor during the internship period, though five project heads have been appointed by the varsity to take care of each of the projects.
The offline application process has now been converted into online and the candidates have been asked to submit a statement of purpose describing why they want to pursue the internship.
The interns will also be paid a stipend, the amount for which is yet to be decided.
The Vice-Regal lodge estate is DU's grand inheritance from British India and is inaccessible to the public on most days. It has been home to five British viceroys during the first three decades of the 20th century and was handed over to DU in 1933.