Latest news with #AcademicCouncil
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
DU faces teachers' wrath as it plans to omit courses on Pakistan, China, Islam in Pol Sc. PG syllabus
The university's Standing Committee on Academic Matters met on Tuesday to discuss the syllabi of several courses. This has sparked backlash from faculty members, who call the move politically driven. New Delhi: Delhi University may drop courses on Pakistan, China, Islam, and political violence from its MA Political Science syllabus, with the university's syllabus panel recommending the removal of several electives, faculty members alleged. Dr. Monami Sinha, a member of the Standing Committee, said the Political Science PG syllabus came under 'significant scrutiny' during the meeting. 'The courses that were dropped and asked to be revamped are 'Pakistan and the World', 'China's Role in the Contemporary World', 'Islam and International Relations', 'Pakistan: State and Society', 'Religious Nationalism and Political Violence',' Sinha, who is also a member of the Academic Council said. Speaking to ANI, Monami Sinha said these papers would either be completely dropped or replaced by other courses. The new courses will then be referred to the department's course committee. The committee will prepare a new syllabus. This syllabus will be presented for approval to the university syllabus panel and then tabled in the Academic Council for approval. ANI reached out to the Delhi University administration, but there was no response at the time of filing this report. Recently, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh informed us that Department heads at the University of Delhi (DU) have been asked to review their syllabus and remove any unnecessary glorification of Pakistan. This statement comes in the wake of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. However, the members of the DU faculty have objected to these revisions in the syllabus, saying 'forced' changes are retrograde and politically motivated. Dr. Monami Sinha argued that removing these courses undermines academic rigour and geopolitical understanding. 'It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail because, pedagogically, we need to train our students and foster scholarship on Pakistan, as it remains one of India's constant foreign policy challenges,' she stated in her note. She also cautioned against excluding China at a time when it is emerging as a key player in the Global South. Along with political courses, the committee recommended the removal of unit 3 in MA Geography (semester 1), on internal conflict and religious violence — including a key text by Paul Brass — from the course 'Territorial Bases of Politics in India.' In the Social Geography paper, the Chair objected to the topic 'Distribution of SC Population', calling for a de-emphasis on caste-related content. A course on vulnerability and disaster was also dropped. In Sociology, the introductory theory paper was criticised for relying solely on Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, with calls to include Indian theorists and joint family structures, Sinha said. Objections were also raised to Kath Weston's reading on same-sex families, with the Chair noting that same-sex marriages are not legal in India. Condemning the recommended changes, Abha Dev, Secretary of Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) alleged that the academic autonomy of departments has been eroded and this 'should worry all of us'. 'Academic autonomy of Departments stands eroded. The dumbing down of courses by revisions centred around 'beliefs' rather than questions of pedagogy and scientific inquiry is unfortunate. Forced revisions are retrograde and are politically motivated. DU was known for its UG courses. These forced changes will adversely impact students' scholarships. This should worry all of us,' said Abha Dev. Meanwhile, Mithuraaj Dhusiya, elected member of the Academic Council questioned the authority of standing committee, saying the panel can suggest changes but it cannot ask direct departments to remove papers. 'The University administration of DU has forgotten the fact that the University space is meant for a ruthless and dispassionate debate to foster critical thinking; it is not meant to produce conformist, mediocre minds, which can only lead to the cult of hero worship. Instead of cancelling uncomfortable questions, one needs to always engage even with the perceived 'other' to equip oneself with the intellectual wherewithal to tackle the 'other' in the new global geopolitical order,' said Dhusiya, in a statement. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also read: Plagiarism, fake information riddle DU School of Open Learning study materials. 'Cruel joke'
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Mangalore University resumes issuing hard copies of marks cards to final semester students
Mangalore University has resumed issuing hard copies of marks cards to its final semester students, according to the Vice-Chancellor, P.L. Dharma. He informed the Academic Council meeting on Friday that the consolidated marks card issued to a student upon completion of the three-year degree course (six semesters) includes marks from all six semesters. The university stopped issuing semester-wise hard copies of marks cards since the first batch of the new National Education Policy (NEP) batch of students joined the degree courses from the academic year 2021-22. It was in accordance with a direction from the State government. It was also based on the national policy related to the education sector, which mandated making the mark cards available to students only through Digilocker. Mr. Dharma said that the government had asked the universities to stop printing marks cards. But students demanded hard copies, saying that they were required for employment purposes. Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader held a meeting with the Minister for Higher Education, M.C. Sudhakar, and senior officials of the Higher Education Department. The meeting resolved to issue a consolidated hard copy of the marks card once a student completes the sixth semester. Following this, the Syndicate of the university in its meeting on March 12, 2025 resolved to issue physical marks card in the interest of students, the Vice-Chancellor said. Later Mr. Dharma told press that students will not get hard copies of marks cards of other semesters (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Like earlier they will be made available only through Digilocker. The registrar (Evaluation), H. Devendrappa, said that the university recently dispatched 13,570 hard copies of consolidated mark cards to undergraduate students who graduated in 2023-24. Another 5,000 mark cards could not be sent due to profile-related issues. In addition, the varsity issued 1,637 marks cards to post-graduate students. Mr. Devendrappa said that the undergraduate examinations of the academic year 2024-25 were held from June 9 to July 15. The ongoing post graduate examinations of the same academic year will get over on July 27. The results of the final semesters will be announced first. Academic year 2025-26 Mr. Dharma said that the academic year 2025-26 for undergraduate students is likely to begin from the first week of August, and for post-graduate students, it is likely to begin from the second week of August. The government is insisting on a common calendar of events for all State universities.
Leaders
6 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
King Saud University Unveils 'Agreements' Platform to Enhance Global Competitiveness
Acting President of King Saud University and Chairman of the Academic Council, Prof. Ali Masmali, officially launched the university's new electronic platform, 'Agreements,' on Wednesday. Developed under the supervision of the Global Engagement Office, the platform is designed to advance institutional excellence, promote a knowledge-based society, and strengthen strategic partnerships both locally and globally. These efforts aim to elevate the university's position on the international stage. The launch coincided with the 11th meeting of the Academic Council for the 1446–1447 academic year, attended by council members. Related Topics : SAMI to Unveil Saudi-Made Defense Innovations at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi Saudi and French companies Sami and Thales are signing an agreement to establish a joint entity Al-Khorayef Discusses Boosting Industrial, Mining Cooperation with Tunisia, Tajikistan Governor of Monsha'at Congratulates Leadership on State Budget Announcement Short link : Post Views: 14 Related Stories
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
DU approves curriculum changes amid dissent, VC emphasises readiness for UG 4th year
The Executive Council of Delhi University in its meeting on Saturday, approved key academic and infrastructural proposals, including several controversial curriculum changes. Among the most debated revisions was the removal of papers on Pakistan, Islam and China from the postgraduate Political Science syllabus, changes previously cleared by the Academic Council on June 5 amidst internal opposition. Executive Council member Mithuraaj Dhusiya raised objections over the manner in which these syllabus changes were pushed through. He alleged that many courses were being significantly altered before even reaching the Academic Council, thereby bypassing due academic process and compromising transparency. The meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, also confirmed the appointment of Professor Rajni Abbi as the new director of Delhi University's South Campus. The vice chancellor used the occasion to reiterate that the university is 'fully prepared' for the rollout of the fourth year of undergraduate studies under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which will begin in the 2025-26 academic session. He highlighted that over 60 per cent of undergraduate students are expected to opt for the fourth year. Addressing concerns regarding faculty shortages, the vice chancellor said only regular teachers will handle fourth-year classes, the guest faculty may assist with junior-level teaching. Regular teachers may also take additional classes and suitable compensation will be ensured for both teaching and non-teaching staff, he added. The vice chancellor further said that Wi-Fi connectivity across the university has been significantly upgraded at a cost of Rs 65.71 crore and the university library has been fully digitised, giving students 24×7 access to more than two lakh e-books and journals. He also encouraged the principals of all colleges to establish startup incubators and register Section-8 company to foster entrepreneurship among students. On infrastructure development, the vice chancellor informed the Executive Council that construction of 17 projects is ongoing at an estimated cost of Rs 1,912.15 crore, with Rs 329 crore already released. These projects include the WUS Health Centre and new computer centre on North Campus, the vertical expansion of the science block and the expansion of the Social Centre School Building in Maurice Nagar, he added. The university also approved the creation of a Cultural Activity Centre near Shankar Lal Hall and a new academic building at the SP Jain parking area in South Campus. Additionally, new hostels for girl students and working women are planned at the Dhaka campus, alongside extensions to existing boys' and girls' hostels in South Campus. Following complaints of structural damage in some buildings at Dhaka campus in Mukherjee Nagar, a structural audit by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has been initiated. Based on the findings, reconstruction and retrofitting work will be carried out in a phased manner to address safety issues in hostels and residential flats. The Executive Council also approved the installation of solar power plants in both North and South campuses under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model in partnership with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The terms of this agreement will comply with the university's operational norms. A proposal was invited to develop Dr BR Ambedkar Udyan (garden) in the Faculty of Social Sciences and rename an auditorium in his honour. Additionally, a committee was formed to explore launching a sports scholarship in the name of late Union minister and Delhi University alumnus Arun Jaitley. Presenting the Delhi University's latest achievements, Professor Singh highlighted its performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university has reached 30th position globally in employment outcomes — an improvement of 14 ranks — and now stands at seventh among Indian institutions overall, with a global rank of 328.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
DU approves curriculum changes amid dissent, VC emphasises readiness for UG 4th year
New Delhi, The Executive Council of Delhi University in its meeting on Saturday approved key academic and infrastructural proposals, including several controversial curriculum changes. DU approves curriculum changes amid dissent, VC emphasises readiness for UG 4th year Among the most debated revisions was the removal of papers on Pakistan, Islam and China from the postgraduate Political Science syllabus, changes previously cleared by the Academic Council on June 5 amidst internal opposition. Executive Council member Mithuraaj Dhusiya raised objections over the manner in which these syllabus changes were pushed through. He alleged that many courses were being significantly altered before even reaching the Academic Council, thereby bypassing due academic process and compromising transparency. The meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, also confirmed the appointment of Professor Rajni Abbi as the new director of Delhi University's South Campus. The vice chancellor used the occasion to reiterate that the university is "fully prepared" for the rollout of the fourth year of undergraduate studies under the National Education Policy 2020, which will begin in the 2025-26 academic session. He highlighted that over 60 per cent of undergraduate students are expected to opt for the fourth year. Addressing concerns regarding faculty shortages, the vice chancellor said only regular teachers will handle fourth-year classes, the guest faculty may assist with junior-level teaching. Regular teachers may also take additional classes and suitable compensation will be ensured for both teaching and non-teaching staff, he added. The vice chancellor further said that Wi-Fi connectivity across the university has been significantly upgraded at a cost of ₹65.71 crore and the university library has been fully digitised, giving students 24x7 access to more than two lakh e-books and journals. He also encouraged the principals of all colleges to establish startup incubators and register Section-8 company to foster entrepreneurship among students. On infrastructure development, the vice chancellor informed the Executive Council that construction of 17 projects is ongoing at an estimated cost of ₹1,912.15 crore, with ₹329 crore already released. These projects include the WUS Health Centre and new computer centre on North Campus, the vertical expansion of the science block and the expansion of the Social Centre School Building in Maurice Nagar, he added. The university also approved the creation of a Cultural Activity Centre near Shankar Lal Hall and a new academic building at the SP Jain parking area in South Campus. Additionally, new hostels for girl students and working women are planned at the Dhaka campus, alongside extensions to existing boys' and girls' hostels in South Campus. Following complaints of structural damage in some buildings at Dhaka campus in Mukherjee Nagar, a structural audit by the Central Public Works Department has been initiated. Based on the findings, reconstruction and retrofitting work will be carried out in a phased manner to address safety issues in hostels and residential flats. The Executive Council also approved the installation of solar power plants in both North and South campuses under the Renewable Energy Service Company model in partnership with the Solar Energy Corporation of India . The terms of this agreement will comply with the university's operational norms. A proposal was invited to develop Dr BR Ambedkar Udyan in the Faculty of Social Sciences and rename an auditorium in his honour. Additionally, a committee was formed to explore launching a sports scholarship in the name of late Union minister and Delhi University alumnus Arun Jaitley. Presenting the Delhi University's latest achievements, Professor Singh highlighted its performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university has reached 30th position globally in employment outcomes an improvement of 14 ranks and now stands at seventh among Indian institutions overall, with a global rank of 328. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
