Delhi University VC quits over course row

New Delhi: The political tug-of-war over the issue of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) reached its crescendo with conflicting reports emerging over the resignation of Delhi University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dinesh Singh. He was adamant that the FYUP should not be scrapped, as directed by the UGC, which though being an autonomous body, is under the control of the government.

Reports of Dinesh Singh’s resignation had spread like wildfire leading to celebrations across the campus. However, within hours, there was no confirmation from the VC and the HRD Ministry, which said that it did not receive any resignation letter from him. Even if it was sent directly to the President, they would have received the copy from them. Sources close to the DU VC remained tight lipped, thus adding to the confusion.

The FYUP was introduced last year at the behest of UPA HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and now with NDA taking-over, Modi government has directed the UGC to switch-over to the three-year undergraduate programme. The move has rattled the students, whose fate is hanging in the balance, with DU vertically split over the diktat issued by the UGC. The silence of HRD Minister Smriti Irani on the entire controversy has further agitated the students, who are keen to get clarity on the issue, as she continues to fire over the shoulders of the UGC.

The controversial issue even reached the court on Tuesday, with former Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) president Aditya Narayan Mishra approaching the Supreme Court against the latest UGC order. The Apex Court, however, refused to take up the case and directed him to approach the Delhi High Court. It is likely to come up for hearing on Wednesday.

There were rallies and protests for and against the FYUP in DU. While those, who were against the four-year course, rejoiced over the resignation of Dinesh Singh, others laid the blame on Modi government.

The urgency of reverting to the three-year course was prompted by the RSS, which was strongly opposed to the FYUP, as it was aimed at encouraging students going to the United States for further studies.

It entails students to spend the initial two-years studying general foundation courses, similar to the US college system. The critics argue that the schooling system in India (10+2 scheme) prepares the students to enter college to choose a specific subject or discipline.

Around 60,000 students, who had enrolled themselves in the four-year programme which started last year, are worried about their future. The UGC has assured that they will migrate to the three-year degree programme that will commence from August, this year.

With Dinesh Singh quitting as Delhi University Vice-Chancellor, the revival of the three-year course is imminent.