DU likely to cap add-on courses | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

DU likely to cap add-on courses

Hindustan Times | BySwaha Sahoo, New Delhi
May 27, 2008 11:00 AM IST

There may not be too many options for students applying for short-term and add-on courses in Delhi University (DU) this year, reports Swaha Sahoo.

There may not be too many options for students applying for short-term and add-on courses in Delhi University (DU) this year, as a committee has come up with recommendations that may force colleges to be more transparent and also limit the number of such courses offered by them.

HT Image
HT Image

“The committee was set up to look into the arbitrary ways in which colleges started short-term courses to attract students at the beginning of each academic year,” said a senior professor and member of the committee.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“A lot of colleges are offering numerous short-term and add-on courses without proper infrastructure and faculty. When you have so many add-on courses, you take faculty away from regular classes,” said the professor.

The committee has recommended that no college should be allowed to offer more than seven to eight short-term courses and the duration of these courses should not exceed three months. Moreover, the content of these courses should be clearly mentioned in the college website, along with the course fee and its timing. The add-on courses’ faculty should also be mentioned on the website.

The committee has also objected to the high course fee charged by certain colleges. “Colleges offering the same courses are charging different course fee. So it is important to mention if those charging more are offering anything substantial to students or cheating them,” a source said. He added that the courses couldn’t go beyond three months because both students and teachers have to devote time to regular courses.

Many DU colleges offer a number of short-term courses. While Ramjas College offers 26 such courses, Venkateswara College and Gargi College offer four and 12 courses, respectively. Most colleges do not have the faculty strength required to take such courses and outsource them from private institutes. “We invite specialists and also professionals to take classes and pay them according to University rules,” said Rajendra Prasad, Principal of Ramjas College. “A cap should be put on colleges charging amounts ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs. 30,000. We only charge Rs 2,000 per course," Prasad said.

The committee also pointed out that most colleges did not have the infrastructure for practical work in subjects like media studies, tourism etc. “Certain courses require practical training but students are given only theory classes,” the committee report says.

The Dean of Colleges, Prof Nayanjot Lahiri, said that the committee recommendations would be sent to the Vice-Chancellor and then be placed before the Academic Council.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On