The idea of starting second shifts in existing universities and colleges is doing the rounds in government circles.
A roundtable on higher education, set up by the Union Human Resource Development Ministry, on Friday discussed such a measure, which is aimed at utilising fully the facilities that remain unused after class hours.
The committee, chaired by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, explored the possibilities of using facilities for second shifts in the existing institutions.
There are about 480 universities and nearly 20,000 colleges in the country. Facilities at a majority of these institutions remain unutilised during the evening.
The roundtable also discussed uniform accounting standards to be followed by educational institutions. They are following different accounting standards at present. It discussed freedom for faculty to go outside the system for development and enhancement. The members of the roundtable include University Grants Commission Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Director-General Samir Brahmachari.
