United we stand

Teachers from other universities join Delhi University counterparts in opposing semester system

United we stand

Teachers from other universities join Delhi University counterparts in opposing semester system

Of all the changes in Delhi University in the recent times, semester system has elicited most discussion and concern.

A seminar organized by the Delhi University Teacher's Association (DUTA) to discuss the desirability and feasibility of semester system at undergraduate level was attended by prominent academicians and professors from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia.

The teachers spoke about the drawbacks of the proposed model proposed by the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University Deepak Pental and expressed their serious concern as it was never debated and discussed in the appropriate statutory bodies of the university.

Prof. Tabrez Alam Khan from Jamia Millia Islamia questioned the feasibility and desirability of the proposed model not only in the context of the university but also in the context of changing scenario of higher education. "The proposed system should be in accordance with the higher education system. The university should have kept this in mind before making the move."

Expressing satisfaction over the existing model in DU, JNU Prof. Anand Kumar said, "Although necessary changes should be initiated keeping in view the requirements and priorities with regard to Indian scenario, we should not blindly follow the western models. The Delhi University should take its own time to check the feasibility and desirability of the proposed semester system."

The overwhelming views of teachers' participants from various colleges were against the introduction of semester system at the undergraduate level. DUTA president Aditya Narayan Misra made it clear that semester system lacks the feasibility test as the existing model in operation needs to be scrutinized before making any attempts to initiate reforms in the present system.

Earlier this month, the University put in motion the implementation of the semester system, inviting objections and suggestions from students and University faculty alike. The semester system is to commence from 2010-11 academic session.

DUTA's reasons for opposing the system
(a) Lack of infrastructure to handle two-exams in a year for nearly 3 lakh students of DU, which will prevent timely declaration of results;
(b) Dilution of honours courses;
(c) Discriminating the students of School of Open Learning who constitute half the strength of DU;
(d) Reduction in teaching position and workload in future;
(e) Non-availability of time for personality development of students through extra and co-curricular activities; and
(f) Unmanageable teacher-pupil ratio.

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