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DU’s Proposal for seeking Funds Rejected by MHRD

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A proposal was put forward by the Delhi University Administration in order to ask for funds for the construction of new infrastructure but it has been struck down by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The Delhi University administration asked the Ministry of Human Resource Development for Rs 5000 crore for the construction of a few buildings for the use by the University, but this proposal has been struck down by the MHRD. The MHRD termed the proposal as ‘unjustifiable’ and ‘over-hyped’.

According to sources, the DU administration submitted a quotation for the construction of buildings and had sought Rs 7,000 per square meter on an average, which was objected by the finance committee members who termed the quotation “unjustifiable”.

However, the issue of funds crunch has been raised by the Delhi University administration at various platforms, but the money that it had already hasn’t been spent by it and was returned to the University Grants Commission.

An elected member of DU’s finance committee said, “The DU administration has failed to spend Rs 300 crore it had received for the construction of buildings and other development work. The unspent money has already been returned to the University Grants Commission. Due to the short-sightedness and lethargic approach of the DU administration, the funds had lapsed”, as quoted in Sunday Guardian.

A proposal for a fund to the tune of Rs 5000 crore for the construction of buildings in DU was submitted by the DU administration in March during the finance committee meeting where MHRD officials were present. But the quotation that it had put up was considered to be too high. The DU proposal had sought Rs 7,000 per square meter as construction charges, which, compared to current market rates available for the construction of any building in Delhi, is more than thrice. Thus, MHRD officials openly criticized the DU administration and struck down the proposal, terming it unjustifiable and overhyped.

According to sources, the DU administration also sought for clearance of old bills of contractors but the validity of this demand was questioned by the finance committee on the basis that some of these bills are pending for over three decades. A similar demand was raised by DU to sought Rs 40 crore to clear a bill, but the original tender was of Rs 6 crore.

Abha Dev Habib, former member, Executive Council, DU told DU Beat, “While the UGC/MHRD has the right to scrutinize any proposal seeking a grant, increasingly the fear is that refusal to give grants will become a way to push universities to take loans for infrastructural requirements through Higher Education Funding Agency. These loans will have to be repaid primarily through student’s fees. We also want to add that right now the focus of the Government and universities should be infrastructure and manpower expansion required to cater to the EWS expansion. Unless this is done on a priority basis, universities will fail to cater to the increased number of students to intake on the count of EWS quota starting from this academic session.”

Thus it can be said that if the grants aren’t approved by the MHRD, then a hike in the fees of the students can be expected.

Image credits: DU Beat archives.

Priya Chauhan

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DUB Speak

Assessment System in Delhi University: Does it let the Vacations go as Planned?

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We weren’t yet done with the fest season when we realized that it’s already time for the mid-semester break. All of us have our bags packed but are we really ready to go on a break yet?

Even semesters are shorter and comprise more extracurricular activities than academics. They are busier than the odd semesters because of college, society and department fests and somewhere because of the fest season, students lose track of everything else going on, which includes classes, internals, assignments, presentations, and everything else. But when the fests finally got over and students tried to get hold of their academic lives it was already time for the mid-semester break. Mid-semester break is the time when students plan to do everything that they kept on postponing till now and is the best time to catch up with friends. But the bigger question is, “does the assessment system of the University leave us with a mid-semester break?”

The assessment system of Delhi University is a continuous process that goes on throughout the semester as it includes assessments of all the core as well as elective papers which starts at the beginning of the semester and goes on till some days before the study break. While some people have most of their assessments lined up for the latter part of the semester; whereas some others had back to back assessments in the early part of the semester which makes them comparatively free towards the end of the semester. However, one common thing for almost everyone is the lineup of assessments after the mid-semester break as till this time most of the professors want to get done with their assessments and thus this leads to a very hectic schedule for the students and a need for them to balance between all their papers and the vacations that they might have planned.

Anamika Khanduri, an Economics Honors student of Kamala Nehru College says “we have a lineup of internals scheduled after the break as we did not have many assignments till now because of the fests. However, amidst the study schedule that we have planned for the break, we have a separate schedule for chilling and thus utilizing the much-needed mid-semester break.”

However, a student of Miranda House tells DU Beat, “we had most of our core assessments before the mid-semester break so we are comparatively free during the break.”

For the outstation students, the only time to go back home, visit family and catch up with old friends is this break. The main issue faced by them is that because of the assessments lined up they really need to pack more books in the luggage and spend more time with the books than with their friends and family.

“Home doesn’t really feel like home because all I do is study throughout the day for the four internals that follows the break”, said a History Honors student of Miranda House.

Akansha Priya, a second-year student of Sociology Honors, Miranda House said, “we had only one internal till now and have all our other assessments after the semester break.” About the assessment system, she says, “It would be better if we have assignments managed in a better way because it becomes very hectic to have so many assessments in a single week.”

Everyone has different views about the assessment system but almost everyone agrees that the assessment system of Delhi University is a very hectic process. But being a continuous process it also helps in the preparation for the semester end exams and it brings the students in a habit of studying continuously. Thus it can be said that the system is effective in some ways but it needs to be managed in a better way so that it leaves students with time to relax because college life is not all about studying and giving tests but is more about taking the unexpected adventures.

Image Credits : Image by Annie Spratt Pixabay

Priya Chauhan

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Mid-Sem Break Cut Short; Classes to Resume from 20th March

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The mid-semester break is being cut-short due to the prolonged cancellation of classes in the previous weeks.

Due to continuous strikes and cultural fests in the previous weeks, many classes got cancelled from 26th February 2019 to 8th March 2019. To compensate for the cancelled classes, Professor Yogesh Tyagi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, in accordance with Professor Tarun Kumar Das, Registrar of the University has decided to shorten the mid-semester break.

Previously, the break was scheduled from 17th March 2019 to 25th March 2019. According to a press release, the classes will now resume on Wednesday, 20th March 2019. A press release stated that the decision is being undertaken for the welfare of the students, so that their studies are not affected. The release also states that the administration understands the difficulty the outstation students face to study in Delhi. On top of that, cancellation of classes because of strikes and fests only harms the academic pursuits of the students.

Despite good intentions of the varsity, the outstation students are unhappy with this decision. Most of them are already in their hometown and have plans for Holi with their friends and family. Agrima, a first-year B.A English (Hons.) student from Gargi College says, “I am from Lucknow. I always book tickets ahead of time because they are cheaper. I had already booked my flight for Sunday, 24th March, but now the classes are beginning early. By any means, I will not be able to come back on time, so I will lose out on my attendance.” Another student from Meerut said that he was not willing to spend Holi away from his family. So, even though he could reach on time, he has decided not to come back for these extra classes.

On the other hand, many students appreciate this move of the University. Praachi Ratra, a B.Com (Hons.) student from Jesus and Mary College stated “Our syllabus was behind the schedule due to the strikes and the fest season. Our teacher usually cancelled the class because there were only a few students in the class. Most of them were enjoying the fests. With these extra classes, the students can also catch up on the missed attendance. I am very thankful to my teachers and the University for co-operating.”

Student unions’ of various colleges like Miranda House, Gargi College, Hansraj College etc. are also unwelcoming of this move. A union member of  Hansraj College said, ” Colleges organise their cultural fests every year, it is a moment of celebration for all of us. It is not a small deal for the college and sometimes classes do get cancelled because there are not many students present. Most of them are busy with the fest preparations. We have never heard  something like this before. The students are already in a holiday mood. How are they going to celebrate Holi away from home?”

DU Beat tried contacting Professor Tarun Kumar Das, but he was unavailable to comment.

Despite criticism, this decision shows that the University is giving education an upfront by resuming classes early.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Image Credits: Niharika Dabral for DU Beat

Sakshi Arora

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Campus Central

DSJ Students May Move to Court Against the University

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As stated in a press release, the students of Delhi School of Journalism have decided to move to the court for non-delivering of the promised facilities.

Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) has been in the limelight for continuous protests and agitation against the University administration for non-fulfilment of basic infrastructure facilities like a proper media lab and a computer lab required for the course, since its inception. Dr. M.M. Yogi, Officer on Special Duty, Delhi School of Journalism had assured the students that their demands would be fulfilled ‘soon’, but the situation remains unchanged.

In a revolutionary move, students have now decided to appeal to the apex court against the University to resolve their problems and grievances. According to a press release, students of DSJ, Mohammad Ali, Suman Shekhar, Shahid Ansari,and Ankit Shukla moved to the Supreme Court regarding the matter.

Mohammad Ali, a second-year student of DSJ informed DU Beat that despite paying the highest fee in the University of Delhi, students of DSJ are deprived of basic facilities. He also stated that this step has been undertaken after facing disappointment by the hands of other senior authorities of Delhi University like the Vice Chancellor and Registrar. The students are seeking help from renowned lawyer Mr. Prashant Bhushan.

Maknoon Wani, another student of DSJ stated “The University and DSJ administration have collectively breached our trust. After a series of protests and the subsequent assurances given to us in writing, there hasn’t been any significant development in our college. No media lab has been established and we don’t have the infrastructure required for the proper functioning of the course. Lack of transparency is also an issue for us.” He added that the University has not made any records public citing that the audit has not been done. As a last resort, the students have decided to move to the court.

On the other hand, a press release by Professor J.P. Dubey, Honorary Director of DSJ stated that the students are being provided with the basic facilities, decent classrooms, media workshops, and field visits. It also states that students of third and fourth semester have been provided laptops and are also being exposed to various national and international agencies. 25% students from each batch and section are provided fee concession of 20% to 80% of the tuition fee was also mentioned in the release.

Mohammad Ali believes that if everything goes well, they will soon file an official court case against the University with the help of senior lawyer, Prashant Bhushan. Mr.Bhushan has also assured the students to help them in every possible way.

 

(With inputs from DU Beat Archives)

 

Image Credits: Suman Shekhar

Sakshi Arora

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Uncategorized

Moral Policing in Girls’ Hostels

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Read on to find out about problems like curfew timings, degrading remarks on clothing, character questioning by wardens and so on in DU hostels.

Currently, the fight against hostel administrations is on its peak. From Lady Shri Ram College in the South Campus to Daulat Ram College in the North, many colleges in the prestigious University of Delhi (DU) are witnessing protests.

The on-going protest by the students of Daulat Ram College is against the harsh treatment and derogatory language by the hostel administration. On several instances of seeing students wear clothes or make up which the administration does not approve of, comments like, “Dhanda karne ja rahi hai kya?” or “boyfriend se milne jaa hai hai kya?” have been made. A student on reaching five minutes after the curfew timings was made to stand outside the gate for hours. Insensitive comments have been passed at a visually impaired resident of the DRC hostel on simply leaving her hair open.

Presently, no heed was paid when the students protesting outside from 7:30 PM to 5 AM were puking and fainting and were even refused water. Furthermore, the students left inside the hostel were ordered to be locked in their rooms by male security guards at 2 AM. What happens to the slogan of safety that the administration chants?.

In another college in DU the curfew timings are only enforced for the girls and simply forgiven for the boys. Even the security guards taunt the female residents by saying, “Late nahi ho gaya?” despite them taking permissions and following due process to stay out.

In Lady Shri Ram College, the passing of judgement on character continues but beyond that, extension of the unacceptable curfew timing of 7:30 pm is not acceptable under the grounds of safety and logistical limitations. As a result of the Pinjra Tod protests, certain changes and improvements have been made such as removing a cap on the number of monthly late nights, other goals of the protests still need to be met.

The pattern in all these cases and many more is how under the garb of ‘safety’ hostel administrations are perpetuating sexist mindset. Slut shaming for wearing skin-showing clothes, character questioning for returning at a time considered late, insensitive remarks have created a toxic environment.

This issue is not restricted to DU colleges only, but also to colleges outside Delhi. In the case of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), the curfew for girls is thirty minutes prior to that of boys’ and in case of leaving the college an Akka ‘checks’ every girl’s clothing to be modest.

The same rules are not applied in the case of boys’ hostels. Moral policing of girls is not a solution to the problem of the unsafe environment but rather a means of instilling fear. The students of the University are giving a powerful response to break this cage.

Image credits: New Indian Express

Shivani Dadhwal

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Campus Central

Kalindi College Calls Off Inquiry against Principal

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On one hand the inquiry on financial inconsistencies has been dropped off the teacher representatives, demand action from cop alleging harassment. Read on to find out more.

On 5th March the governing body of Kalindi College, decided to call off its inquiry against Principal Anula Maurya. This action has been taken as not a single response has been made to their reminders by the Delhi University (DU) Vice Chancellor, Mr. Yogesh Tyagi.

This inquiry had been set up as a result of the report by Comptroller and Audit General of India (CAG), in which it had found financial irregularities in Kalindi College’s audit. The governing body’s Chairman Mr. Deepak Marwah has said that despite having sent five reminders over twenty days, regarding the inquiry, the Vice Chancellor has not reacted. And due to political pressure, this matter cannot be figured out.

Mr. Saikat Ghosh, a member of Academic Council, Delhi University commented, “The Kalindi College GB’s abrupt decision to withdraw the inquiry against the Principal is puzzling and shows that the DU administration is unwilling to follow a transparent and due process of examining financial misdemeanour. The teaching community insists on due process and the Principal should not fear an impartial inquiry to establish facts. If she is not guilty, she will come up clean. But to abandon procedures and politicise a routine matter of inquiry when the GFR rules are flouted, is setting a very dangerous precedent for a public institution.”

Rajesh Jha, Executive Council Member of DU Teachers’ Association on commenting on DUTA protesting the inquiry said, “At the time we got to know the GB acted in arbitrary manner, we opposed it. We stand for transparency and accountability, no one should be subjected to such arbitrary decisions. We are not in banana democracy, due procedure in such situations such be followed, and we will have no objection.”

While the members of DUTA protested, the GB members alleged that they were harassed which ended with the Chairman filing a complaint. The teacher representatives wrote a strong worded letter to the top cop stating how a humiliating and an abusive environment was created making them feel harassed and threatened. They further stated that while the police have not seized the CCTV footage, this important piece of evidence could easily be tampered with. Principal Anula Maurya could not be contacted to comment on the developments of this incident.

Image Credits: DU Beat archives

Shivani Dadhwal

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Campus Central

DU Begins Accepting Foreign National Applications for the Year 2019-20

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The varsity offers over 500 programs at undergraduate and higher levels making it an appealing choice for foreign nationals for applying.

The application process for foreign nationals seeking admissions in Delhi University (DU) began on Friday, 22nd February. Applications are open for undergraduate, post-graduate, M.Phil, Ph.D, certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses.

All applications will be accepted through the official website for foreign students – http://fsr.du.ac.in/. At first look, the window looks almost exactly like the one which is made available for Indian students, however, the application fee is INR 1500, which is 10 times the normal remuneration.

The website details a comprehensive, four-step procedure that the prospective students are supposed to follow in order to apply. After having filled the online application form, they are to attach documents in accordance with the guidelines of the Foreign Students’ Registry (FSR). Hard-copies attested by the Embassy have to then be sent to the FSR by post.

Following is the scrutiny of the application, after which the applicant is informed via email. If selected, further documents, like the visa have to be arranged for. On reaching Delhi, the students check with the FSR, and that is the end of the procedure. “The process was very straightforward, and, from what I’ve heard, much less cumbersome than what DU students go through to get in,” is the opinion of Sam Halpert, a History Honors student at St. Stephens, who is an American resident.

The University also provides an International Students’ House for male students, located at Mall Road, for those who wish to stay there.

Times of India reports that that last year, DU received over 3000 applications. Most of these are from the sub-continent. Afifa, a first-year B.Com Honors student of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College hails from Afghanistan and says that an Indian education was, arguably, the best thing that happened to her, and something that would set her course for getting a better life.

Besides countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar and the likes, DU also has students coming in from the US or UK. When asked why he chose to come to India when so many Indian students are trying to study in the US, Halpert listed several reasons. “I have been exposed to a much more monolithic depiction of India and wanted a deeper window into what factors shape Indian politics and the Indian economy. I am also betting on India playing a more important role in geopolitics in the coming years. While many Americans are turning their focus to China, I see India as a country that also deserves a closer look. Having a deeper understanding of India will be crucial to remaining a global power,” he said.

The difference in tuition fee is another appealing component to him. “Although I think I pay more than a national student, that is still less than what I pay in the US, especially coupled with the lower cost of living in Delhi.”

In any DU college the cut-offs are the basis on which admission is sought. But in case of foreign students, it is a centralised allotment on behalf of all the colleges of the University. “There is no cut-off. Instead the dean asks us to choose among some college according to our percentage. We can surely persuade them to give us  better options,” says Vikalp Kashyap, a first-year B.Com Honors student.

Foreign students studying in DU is not just advantageous to them, but to the Indian student community as well, because it provides a wholesome, more global outlook.

Feature Image Credits: fsr.du.ac.in

Maumil Mehraj

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Arts & Culture

DU Landmarks – A Cinema called Amba

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Exploring Amba Cinema, the single screen theatre near North Campus and the people that make it.

The University of Delhi in general, and its North Campus in particular is like a brewery of cheap wine, brewing cheap thrills and sweet memories for the students that thrive in it. Kamala Nagar is one such prime destination, bustling with activity every day. On its outer edges, lie areas that start showing a family demographic rather than that of students. Just a few steps ahead of the market place’s ghantaghar (clock tower), and you’ll set foot to the gate of the only movie theatre in the campus area. This is Amba.

When I first arrived at Amba Cinema, I could see a diverse crowd before the evening show was to start. There were a couple of college couples, scattered all over the outer edges of the building, smiling sheepishly, waiting to exchange a kiss for a millisecond. Amidst this young love, I saw a small boy called Faizal pedalling an equally small bicycle.
He was cycling around, gazing at the movie posters with the fascination of a film connoisseur. As I stopped him for a conversation, he gave his verdict on the poster of the upcoming historical drama Manikarnika. ‘Bohot tagdi picture lag rahi hai. Par dekhke hi pata chalega ab.’, Faizal said. (‘It seems like a strong film. But I’ll get to know how it actually is, only after viewing’).

This little boy lives nearby and helps his brother at times, who sells vegetables on the street. Times aren’t easy for him but yet he smiles with his weekend entertainment when he comes to Amba with his brother. After all, Amba has two varieties of seats, wooden and recliner, both decently priced at 60 and 120 bucks (which is even lesser than what a bucket of popcorn in an ordinary multiplex would cost).

Amba has had a history with several generations of DU students now, as it has been more than fifty years since it was set up by certain old gentlemen Shiv Shanker Lall and Bhavani Shanker. The family runs the cinema till this day. Set up in 1963, the word ‘Amba’ (written in Devanagari) has survived, erected on a stand above the building, In the face of multiplexes, its single screen format has survived too in this part of the city.

However, it has accepted some modern changes along the way. The Dolby Atmos sound system was introduced a few years ago, as the staff says. And now, even English movies are being screened every once in a while, along with the usual Hindi ones. Hence, a cut out of Captain Marvel stood proudly, along with posters of Simmba and Manikarnika.

Turning it into a proper movie hall, the security has also been updated. The guards at the gate and the doors are hired on a temporary basis. However, nearly a year ago, the security scene reached a new level, with the controversial film Padmavat hit the screens. Rishabh Gogoi, a second-year student from Cluster Innovation Centre, recalls on how his experience was.
‘My first experience at Amba was remarkable as I had come to watch Padmavat. On the first day and the first show, there were at least three rounds of security checking before you actually sit inside. At one point, it even felt that there were more CRPF chaps than movie watchers.’

Talking about security, the hall is generally a quiet place without much ruckus. However, according to many students, the night shows are not advisable as the hall is rather filled with ‘uncivilised crowds’! Barring that, Amba Cinema is still a noteworthy landmark for the DU student. With a new outlet of H&M in Kamala Nagar, people are predicting that the wave of capitalism won’t stop till a privatised multiplex is set up. If that happens in the near future, some like Faizal and many more would still pray that Amba’s charm doesn’t die and it doesn’t shut down. Hope their prayers are answered…

Featured Image Credits: Rishabh Gogoi for DU Beat

Shaurya Singh Thapa
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Campus Central

Delhi High Court Directs CBSE and DU to be Considerate to Gender Change

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The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed CBSE and University of Delhi to arrange for a medium for transgenders to attain changes in name and gender, in educational records.

On Wednesday, 20th February 2019, the bench comprising of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice VK Rao showcased its disapproval to the University of Delhi (DU) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in declining the change of name and gender for a transgender person. It stated that when the Supreme Court had recognised their gender identity, education bodies must rise to the occasion to help.

The bench was hearing a PIL (Personal Interest Litigation) challenging the guidelines of the Centre, DU, and CBSE for the change of name and gender by a person. The petition has contended that the guidelines under challenge are “depriving her of the right to live with dignity and to self-identify her gender which is different from the one assigned at birth.”

This was not agreeable to both the education bodies as CBSE stated that name and gender needed to be changed before the 10th or the 12th grade, and DU responded by stating that to make changes in the University’s records, changes must be made in the school records.

The High Court disapproved of their stand and responded, “You cannot say its history for you. You keep your history, but give her a certificate declaring her changed name and gender. Give a declaration without changing your records. You should understand the practical problems they suffer. If they apply for a passport now, it will be put in objection due to contradiction in her name and gender no and what is shown in their education records. You need to be considerate. You cannot put everyone in one basket and say you won’t do it.”

The court by stating, “let us work out what can be done” further assured the petitioner that her right to gender identity was a Constitutional Right recognised by the Apex Court. It instructed both the statutory bodies to come with solutions with respect to the problem and listed this case for further hearing on 13th March 2019.

Image Credits: World Politics Review

Stephen Mathew

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Anushree Joshi

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(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

 

 

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Lack of Psychology courses in DU: A Blot on University’s Academics

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Despite being an important subject, the lack of Honors courses available in Psychology, Delhi University proves that psychology is still not accepted and recognized as a worthy bachelor’s degree.

Psychology as a subject has the power to help you grow as an individual and also help others grow. It is filled with concepts on human beings, stories and examples we can relate to and also interesting topics about which we can talk to with our friends. But what is unfortunate that only eleven colleges in the prestigious University of Delhi offer B.A. (Honors) Psychology as a course and three offer B.A. (Honors) in Applied Psychology.

This restricts the opportunities for students to pursue this subject. The cut offs go very high for the few good colleges offering this course. While, for a male student, this situation is even worse since majority of the colleges offering Psychology are only open to girls, so they have to either compromise on the course or despite having a good score, study in private institutes. According to a source who requested to be anonymous, he scored a 96.75 but still couldn’t get Psychology in Delhi University and is pursuing B.Sc. (Honors) Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore.

Apart from this, most of the colleges are unable to offer Psychology as a General Elective, and when they do, due to the lack of faculty, many times the classes get cancelled. In Lady Shri Ram College, girls who took Psychology as an Elective for the first semester reported that the it was extremely disappointing. A student quoted “We were allotted a teacher somewhere in last August and even this semester we have gotten a guest lecturer who taught from Wikipedia, it was pretty basic and did not feel like a Psychology class.” In Gargi College, Psychology is not offered as a General Elective despite having a department for Applied Psychology.

By lack of Facilities in Delhi University for this essential subject, the University is proving the general discourse prevalent in the society regarding Humanities courses that- “they are courses specifically for girls.” The larger, older and renowned colleges like Miranda House, Hansraj, Hindu and Sri Venkateswara do not offer Psychology at all. It is high time that this course is given the importance and attention that it deserves and the University introduces it in the other colleges as well.

Feature Image credits: The Indian Express

Shivani Dadhwal

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Sakshi Arora

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