Decision on FYUP keeping students' interests in mind: Irani

HRD Minister Smriti Irani is today understood to have told a delegation of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members that any decision on whether to scrap Delhi University's four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) will be taken keeping in mind the interests of students.
According to a member of the delegation, which demanded that the programme be rolled back, Irani said she was holding consultations with various stakeholders on the issue and would frame a view within the constitutional framework.
The ABVP delegation also sought new colleges, more hostels and filling of permanent teaching and non-teaching positions in the university.
A delegation from the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) is expected to meet Irani on Monday, also with the demand for the programme to be scrapped.

Earlier, members of the National Democratic Teachers' Front (NDTF) had made a representation to the HRD Minister in which they argued that the FYUP was in violation of laws and UGC norms.
Members of All India Students Association, All India Democratic Students Organisation and Delhi University Teachers' Association have already met Irani seeking the withdrawal of the programme.

Meanwhile, members of the National Students' Union of India continued with their hunger strike for the second day today over the demand for the scrapping of the programme.
In a statement, the students body claimed that no university officials had met the protesters and alleged that power connection to the protest site was snapped in the night.

"Such behaviour on part of the university only confirms the dictatorial ways of University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh," it said.