With the extended classes coming to an end soon and doubts over what next with respect to academics, DU has formed a 15-member working group to “oversee all examination related matters.”
In a notification posted on the official website, dated 6thMay, DU has constituted a ‘working group’ to inspect and give suggestions on examination related matters. The working group has been put together to study the various examination related affairs, review the preparedness for conducting this session’s examinations and then take the appropriate measures.
The 15-member body is headed by Professor Vinay Gupta, Dean (Examinations), who is presiding over the committee as the Chairman, and comprises of members from different colleges and departments of DU. The notification also stated that “the working group may co-opt any expert, if required, with the prior approval of the competent authority.”
Dr. Uma Shankar Pandey, the Officer on Special Duty, School of Open Learning (SOL) and also a member of the committee, told Career 360,“There are chances of having both online and offline examination, but that would be too early to say anything as we are yet to have any meeting.”
He denied the question of the University not conducting the examination and stated that examinations will be held as per the schedule announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
He also said that any decision will be taken keeping the interests of students in mind. Although, concerns over conducting examination through online mode have been raised many times in the past few months, Dr. Pandey’s statement clearly indicates that the committee is considering all its options before coming to a conclusion. Today itself, the Working group posted an invitation for comments/suggestions from stakeholders on examinations. They have been asked to send them to the following email ID of the Working Group- [email protected].
However, questions have been raised on the committee’s composition. As reported by The Hindu, University executive council members, Rajesh Jha and JL Gupta, censured the committee, calling it “arbitrary and undemocratic”; and in a letter to the Vice Chancellor, they raised their concerns over the formation of the committee and inclusion of certain “nominated members” and some other aspects.
In parallel, Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA), also wrote to the Vice Chancellor about the absence of the statutory bodies of the University –the Executive and Academic Council, from the Working Group. They also expanded their argument to highlight the inclusion of elected representatives of teachers in the committee and the students’ as well as DUTA’s opposition to the online mode of examinations.
It’s been more than 10 days since University Grants Commission (UGC) released the guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for Universities. With various universities such as Mumbai University releasing their academic plans, DU students and teachers are eagerly waiting for the University’s course of action. The Working Group might speed things up and some official statement or notification can be expected in the coming days.
Feature Image Credits:DU Beat
Ipshika Ghosh
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