BJP opposes Delhi University four-year undergraduate programme

Disapproving the Delhi University's four-year undergraduate programme, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday sought an explanation from the UGC and the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre on this issue.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said that the government should make it clear why the three-year programme is being switched off -even though it is a good system.

He pointed out that the four-year programme is limited to only one university.

"Is it a pilot project. So, the government must come clean on this issue," asked Javadekar.

"Arun Jaitley has written today to Pallam Raju, the HRD Minister, and we have also told him 15 days ago to look into the matter," he pointed out.

Javadekar said the Delhi University students are at the receiving end as the varsity has arbitraly decided to switch over from three-year degree course to a four-year degree course.

Javadekar pointed out that the change has been done hastily. There were many vacancies and the syllabus has been redone hastily. "It is criticised by one and all...There have been no wide consultations and discussions held before this switch over," he added.

Javadekar pointed out that the additional year for graduation for the Delhi University students meant that they graduated a year later, which meant an expenditure of two lakhs per annum for them besides the loss of a year.

The admission process for the four-year course in Delhi University has begun.

Teachers across colleges say they were not consulted about the new plans or given enough time to redesign the courses. Critics say major stakeholders were left out of a massive overhaul of the education system.