Comply with order today, UGC tells Delhi University

The latest directive — with a timeframe — is being viewed as an ultimatum from the UGC

The University Grants Commission asked Delhi University late on Wednesday evening to comply with its order to revert to the three year undergraduate programme by Thursday morning. In its latest directive, the Commission asked the University to spell out in clear terms whether the letter sent by the varsity on Monday to all its 64 colleges with a copy of the UGC directive — ordering rollback of the four year undergraduate programme (FYUP) — amounted to compliance.

On Monday, the University had sent out letters to all colleges with the UGC directive attached. The covering letter did not reveal the University’s decision on the issue; resulting in all principals deciding to withhold admissions till there was a clear-cut directive from the administration. The latest directive — with a timeframe — is being viewed as an ultimatum from the UGC.Meanwhile, the uncertainty over admissions continued as the administration remained tight-lipped. At the end of the day, however, the University issued an ambiguous statement that it is “expecting” the admission process to begin “soon” without providing any dates.

The mystery surrounding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh too refused to die down as he remained cocooned inside his house.

A solution

Also, the University in a note issued later in the day indicated that it has no intention of reverting to the old model of the three year undergraduate programme in totality, but might just take the suggestions of “some eminent citizens” who have outlined a structure where the student can get an honours degree in three years which can be extended by another year, through an “honours by research” programme.

“The University of Delhi has received today a document, from some eminent citizens, outlining concrete suggestions for the solution of the current situation as it exists. While welcoming this initiative, the University is examining in detail the document and is working with the expectation that the admission process shall be able to commence soon,” said a statement issued by the Registrar on Wednesday night.

These eminent citizens who gave their suggestions to the university include the principals of St. Stephens’ College and Sri Venkateshwara College, some professors, scientists and the Vice-Chancellors of Punjab University and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

This “solution” has also suggested that the number of foundation courses be reduced and the honours subjects be increased to enable a student to get his degree in three years.