File photo of Delhi University campus
The Delhi University on Tuesday approved 100 courses of study under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) from the ensuing academic session in its Executive Council on Tuesday even as a section of teachers cried foul over it alleging violation of statutory norms.
Academic Council (AC) and Executive Council (EC) are the statutory bodies of DU. Getting the syllabus for the proposed courses approved in the councils is one of the biggest legal hurdle for the varsity in the way of implementing CBCS.
Ruckus had prevailed in the AC meeting yesterday with few members jumping into the well to protest CBCS implementation but the courses had been approved with majority of 79 out of 101 members.
The EC also approved the courses on Tuesday, following which they will be presented before the University Court and sent to President Pranab Mukherjee, the university's visitor, for his approval.
The teachers registering their dissent in the EC meeting on Tuesday alleged that the matter was placed as reporting item and no discussion was allowed on the issue, which is a violation of the statutory norm.
"The imposition of syllabi made by the UGC, whether with 20 per cent or 30 per cent variation allowed, was in conflict with the Delhi University Act which empowers the University statutory bodies for this purpose. The manner in which an academically dubious scheme is being bulldozed in the varsity signals a move towards another FYUP episode," said Abha Dev Habib, an EC member.
Members of Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) also staged a protest outside the Vice Chancellor's office when the two meetings were underway.
The university authorities, however maintained that the varsity doesn't see any difficulty in implementing the CBCS from the upcoming academic session and all decisions have been approved with majority and in sync with the varsity norms.
"There is no major issue or difficulty at the ground level since admissions have been made in accordance with basic and essential features of CBCS such as degree nomenclature and specialisations," DU Registrar said.
The varsity authorities also condemned the activities by a section of teachers alleging that it was a "premeditate" move in the view of DUTA elections.
Calling it a cafeteria approach, the UGC had last year asked all universities to adopt the CBCS as it allows "seamless mobility" of students across higher education institutions and transfer of credits earned by the students.
During a meeting called by the HRD ministry on July 7, Vice Chancellors of Central universities had assured that they are prepared to roll out CBCS from this session.