A number of eminent personalities, including former Delhi high court chief justice Rajindar Sachar and veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, have sought Prime Minister’s intervention to prevent the “hurried” implementation of Delhi University’s four-year programme (FYUP).
In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Delhi high court chief justice Rajindar Sachar, Journalist Kuldeep Nayar, socialist leader Bhai Vaidya and activist Sandeep Pandey and other activists expressed concern on DU’s “hurried” implementation of undergraduate programme which is to replace the existing three-year degree course.
“Such a basic change in the higher education system or policy should first be considered and examined by the MHRD and Parliament in consultation with prominent educationists,” the letter said.
“The Delhi University does not exist in isolation. If this change is so valuable, it should be implemented on national level and there should be a national debate about its merits. Delhi University can wait for a couple of years in the best interest of students all over India,” the letter reads.
They also said students coming from SC, ST, OBC and weaker sections would face difficulties in pursuing the new programme as they would not be able to meet the expenditure of an additional year.
“In view of the serious apprehensions voiced by so many educationists, social workers and teachers, we plead to intervene and prevent its implementation immediately,” the intellectuals said in their letter.
The admission process for various courses under the new pattern will begin from June 5.
The new programme will be a shift from the present 10+2+3 scheme and entail awarding a diploma if a student exits after two years, a bachelor’s degree after three years and a bachelor’s degree with honours or a B.Tech. degree on completion of four years.