Delhi University okays UGC's choice-based credit system

NEW DELHI: Delhi University has decided to go ahead with the introduction of Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) from the upcoming academic session apparently without the "mandate" of the varsity's Executive Council.

In an official communication to deans of all faculties on April 29, DU's joint registrar (academics) has directed them to start preparations for the implementation of CBCS.

The registrar's communication came after a meeting between the vice-chancellor, Dinesh Singh, and the deans to discuss its implementation on April 23.

"I advise you to start the process of preparation of the syllabi for all undergraduate courses within the structure laid down by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The detailed guidelines, course structure, draft model syllabi for the 19 undergraduate courses which are available on UGC's website may be carefully pursued by you before starting the process," the letter said.

CBCS allows students' "seamless mobility" across higher education institutions and transfer of credit earned by them.

However, members of the executive council, which is the supreme decision making body of the varsity, said the matter has not been reported before it.

"The matter has not come for its perusal before the executive council. Like the FYUP, this matter is also being forced in a fast-track manner following the UGC diktat. The university has all the rights and autonomy to reject the proposed programme," Abha Dev Habib, an EC member said.

"How can the faculty deans decide on the matter with the vice chancellor and initiate the proceedings without the EC mandate?" she asked.

The communication sent to deans and faculties to roll out CBCS merely refers to the meeting held between them and vice chancellor Dinesh Singh but did not elaborate further.

The decision of the university came against the backdrop of a section of its teachers submitting a feedback of 40 affiliated colleges to the UGC opposing implementation of CBCS on the ground that its roll out without exhaustive deliberation would prove to be "disastrous" for the varsity.