The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued another directive to Delhi University (DU) to scrap the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP). This is the second directive sent by the UGC to DU to abolish the FYUP and revert to the three-year course. The UGC has stated that if DU administration defies the government, it would take serious action against the varsity.
The UGC wrote letters to the principals of 70-odd colleges, explaining them to follow the three-year UG course. They have also been sent a warning that any contravention may attract action under the UGC Act that includes withdrawal of grant to the college. Also, the commission has issued a public notice, which was carried in newspapers, explaining students and parents that ‘FYUP is not eligible on the basis of the National Policy on Education, 1986 and the 10+2+3 structure envisaged under it.
This move by the UGC hardly leaves any room for defiance by the DU. The notice states that the DU did not follow the rules prescribed in the DU Act at the time of implementing FYUP and thus, has asked students to take admission in three-year courses. The UGC notice to the DU also states that a committee is being formulated to advise the DU to go back to three-year UG programme to secure students’ one academic year. The commission would ensure that students acquire necessary academic excellence in other fields in next two years. The committe will include the members of the university’s academic and executive councils, senior academicians and, teachers’ and students’ union. As per sources, the UGC has prepared an action plan in case university refuses to cooperate by June 23.
