Amid protests against the four- year degree programme, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh today defended the initiative saying it was undertaken after two years of research and consultation with various stakeholders and should be taken in a positive spirit.
He rejected criticism from various groups of teachers that the varsity followed "undemocratic process" in its "hurry" to implement the four-year structure, saying majority of stakeholders had been approached but there were some "who chose not to attend the consultation meetings".
"Around 20,000 students drop out every year without any documentation. Therefore, after two years of strategic planning we have decided to implement the four-year undergraduate programmes from this July," he said during his speech at university's 91st Foundation Day function.
He said the programme should be taken in "positive spirit" and they decided to move ahead with it only after "two years of research, consultation and strategic planning".
"We consulted various experts, teachers, students and even parents regarding this proposal and after that we decided to implement it from the coming session," he told reporters on the sidelines of the event.
However, Delhi University Teacher Association (DUTA) sought to contradict his claims and asked him to substantiate them with proof. It alleged that most of these "farcical consultation meetings" hardly allowed teachers any space to discuss or debate.
"Let him show any paper regarding these meetings. The university has been making announcements about courses being approved without following proper procedure. How can teachers discuss and come to conclusion on courses in just forty minutes until and unless they are under some pressure?" DUTA member Abha Dev Singh said.
Singh said the issue is of immense importance and that the Human Resources Development Ministry cannot wash its hands off.
The four-year programme with multiple degree options will entail a shift from the present 10+2+3 scheme to a four-year graduation with multiple exit points.
The new system, which is being watched closely by other universities, seeks to introduce interdisciplinary pedagogy, enhance the quality of education and impart employable skills.
The proposal has given rise to apprehensions among students who come from across the country to seek admission in DU about the duration of the post graduate level course.
