'Overruling DU's new programme will set a dangerous precedent'

Overruling the Delhi University's decision to implement the four-year undergraduate programme would set a "dangerous precedent," Union Minister Shashi Tharoor said today, refusing to interfere with the varsity's plan to introduce the new pattern from this year.
The Minister of State for HRD said that if any teachers and professors had any grievances regarding the course, they can talk with the DU Vice-Chancellor.
"If we overrule the university's decision, which they think is good in academic context, then I think it would set a dangerous precedent as tomorrow anybody would overrule academic programmes of universities for some idealogical or political reasons. Then, it would not be good for the country's intellectual health," Tharoor said on the sidelines of 10th Convocation of National Museum Institute here.

He said the HRD Ministry would be looking at the needs of academic rigour, scholarships and other issues with regard to the four-year undergraduate programme and "there was nothing more his ministry would be doing."
Earlier delivering the convocation address, Tharoor said there was an urgent need to "remind ourselves" about the importance of the country's cultural institutions.
"Museums in India have acted as custodians of art and culture so far, but their activities should not be limited to only collect, preserve and share objects and materials of cultural, religious and historical importance. In the 21st century, museums need to strive to become agents of change and development," he said.

Cultural activities and heritage materials could be introduced in a broader framework of economic development, Tharoor said.
"Art and cultural heritage thus constitutes an essential engine for economic development and the major measurable economic impacts are: heritage tourism, job creation and household income, property appreciation and small business incubation," he said.
Tharoor said heritage tourism must be recognised as an organised industry.