Tag

Bazinga

Browsing

As parts of Delhi record temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius and a searing heatwave sweeps the city, Delhi University has issued guidelines granting an extended semester break for the current batch of first-years attending the University.

In a notification dated May 25, 2023, the Delhi Government issued recommendations pertaining to the functioning of educational institutions amidst the expected heatwave. With the national capital recording 40+ degrees Celsius consecutively and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert, the University of Delhi, on May 28, released a modified academic calendar for the batch of 2025/26. Scrapping the former one-day break, the University has now granted a summer break that will last a month. According to the newly released guidelines, second-semester examinations will end on July 28, 2023 (Friday), and the batch will be dispersed thereafter. The new semester will commence on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday).

DU registrar Vikas Gupta reportedly told The Quint that the sudden move by the administration comes in light of the sweltering heat in the city.

I hail from Himachal and Delhi weather is nearly intolerable for me. There is no hope for the weather to get better but at least when colleges are shut, I am hoping to protect myself from the heat by staying indoors.

-commented a student at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Yogesh Singh, stated in conversation that the lack of a semester break was a result of the delayed implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

CUET was conducted for the first time in 2022. Its implementation was gradual which led to semester lengths being halved. To bring the academic calendar for first years back on track, the University had to scrap the provision for a semester break.

– DU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yogesh Singh

However, following the backlash faced by NEP and amidst demands for a rollback of the policy, the University has decided to offer respite to the students. The Vice Chancellor added,

The last year has seen a drastic modification in the entire education system of the country. As a students’ university, we realize the uncertainty it carried along and the detrimental impact it had on students’ mental health… We believe students deserve a good break and hence start afresh.

The move by the University has been highly appreciated by the student body.

I am glad the University finally realized how hectic our college life has been so far. We are infamously the experimental batch but there is thankfully something to look forward to now.

– commented a fresher from Maitreyi College.

Sources also report that the session for the incoming batch is expected to commence in mid-August. Hence, a semester break will allow the academic calendars of the University to continue in an integrated manner. This will also enable the University to direct its efforts to ensure a smooth admissions process.

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

Read also: Jesus and Mary College and DU at Odds over Minority Admissions – DU Beat – Delhi University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Featured Image Credits: The Times of India

Manvi Goel
[email protected]

The University of Delhi (DU) has decided to provide hostel facility to students from Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). 

On Monday, 11th February 2020, DU released an official notice stating the provision of hostel facility to students from Delhi-NCR. The notice further mentioned that students from the NCR under ECA and Sports quota shall not be eligible to avail the facility. The Varsity’s decision comes as a respite especially to students from Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad as most students from these areas do not prefer commuting for 2-4 hours everyday.

Yogesh K. Tyagi, Vice Chancellor told DU Beat, “The University administration has taken this decision as a step towards shaping DU as a more student-friendly space. However, we have received some concerns about the same. We are looking into the matter.”

Deeksha Sharma, a student of Hansraj College said, “Many of my friends from Faridabad including myself, wrote letters to the administration of DU to express our problem- the menace of travelling everyday. I am delighted to receive a positive response.”

Reha Biswass, a first year student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women added, “I come from Greater Noida, it takes two hours to reach college. The interchange stations and missing of metros by a second are truly tormenting. I am glad to know that our juniors shall not have to face it.”

The decision has also sprouted dissent. Uday Bhardwaj, a student at Hindu College said, “I feel that students from areas adjoining Delhi know more about this place than outstation students like us. It would be difficult for outstation students to settle in the absence of hostels, given that the seats in hostels are limited.”  Many students also expressed their concerns about the exclusion of students from ECA and Sports Quota from the provision.

Meghaa Balin, a first year student at Ramjas College emphasised upon the exclusion, “I got my admission through Sports Quota. The distance between my college and my home- Faridabad, is same as that of a student from Faridabad who secured her admission through merit basis. How is my inconvenience not taken into account?”  The Sports Association of some colleges like Hindu College, Hansraj College and Kirori Mal College have put forth their concerns to the administration. A response is awaited.

The notice will come into practice during the year’s academic session i.e May-June 2020 Kindly check the DU website for details.

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

Feature Image Credits: Deewanshi Vats for DU Beat

Priyanshi Banerjee

[email protected] 

Keeping in mind the situation in the country, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has advised colleges in the University of Delhi (DU) to educate people about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

In a notice dated 3rd February 2020, Kedar Burande, from the office of the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, has directed colleges to host weekly CAA awareness workshops in order to “change and influence the perception of students so that they don’t fall prey to misinformation campaigns and instead focus on nationalistic activities that in the long run will benefit the nation.”

A contact from the Vice Chancellor’s office, who requested to remain anonymous, said “We’d been expecting this notification for some time now. A framework has already been decided on and we have informed colleges of the same. Colleges that do not make this compulsory will be penalised, both the University administration and the Government will be looking at this very closely.”

“It is important to understand that students need to move on from these petty issues and focus on their academics. These student protests have caused huge inconvenience to everyone and should stop.” said a member from ABVP.

What remains to be seen, is the reaction of the student community towards this manifestation. Are the students going to actively participate in the workshops, or are they going to completely boycott them, remaining indifferent towards these policies of the administration.

Feature Image Credits: Avni Dhawan for DU Beat

 

Khush Vardhan Dembla 

[email protected] 

After the incident of a student who was attacked by chain snatchers while walking from the college to his car, keeping in mind the safety of the students. University of Delhi (DU) has decided to allot parking spots to the students. 

On 7th January 2020, a student of Kirori Mal College was attacked by a group of chain snatchers on bikes after he was leaving his college around 5 PM, to reach his car parked outside the campus in Kamla Nagar.

After the incident reached the Dean of Students’ Welfare, a proposal was made to the University Administration to allot parking spaces within college premises to the students to ensure their safety.

A press meet was conducted at VC Lawns, North Campus, University of Delhi, to apprise the students of this new initiative. With the construction of the 39-Storey building on campus, the safety of the students has already been compromised.

Yogesh Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, in the meeting said, “This is a rare occasion where the colleges are opening their garages to normal university students. The students will also be given proper security in garages to avoid malpractices in the garage. The students are welcomed to give further suggestions for their well-being.”

DU observes lakhs of applications every year. Hence, all cannot be accommodated within the campus with their vehicles. As per the University guidelines, students would be allotted spaces on merit basis.

However, this doesn’t solve the dearth of parking spaces for all students. Hence, other than the University of Delhi (DU) parking lot, other parking lots near the vicinity of both, south campus and north campus to be open. These parking lots are said to have security 24*7 to prevent any crimes.

Tarsh Verma, Student, Sri Venkateswara College said, “This is a great initiative by the college administration. I widely appreciate it as it will even reduce the time we students spend trying to find parking spots.”

This initiative is expected to reduce the number of cars parked in the University sphere that cause traffic jams, reduction of driving space in roads and prevent walking space on footpaths.

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

Feature Image credits: The Citizen 

Chhavi Bahmba

[email protected] 

 

The University of Delhi (DU) has decided to cancel all the first period classes of the colleges under the University, due to heavy fog and biting cold in the Capital.

On 4th January 2020, DU released a notice, stating its temporary policy to cancel all morning classes till 15th January. DU has adopted this policy due to the heavy presence of fog in the capital.

The notice reads, “This is to inform all the students of the University of Delhi (DU) that all classes taking place in the first period according to college timetable are to be cancelled till the 15th of January due to the presence of heavy fog in the city. The classes will continue as intended from the second period onwards.”

For some colleges like Hindu College, the first period starts at 8:50 a.m, for some like Mata Sundri College, it is 9 a.m, while for some colleges like Miranda House, it is at 8:30 a.m.

Jogesh K Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, DU, added that the University administration has taken this decision as a step towards its new policy of being more student-friendly. They plan on carrying out more policies like this in the future.

Rajesh R. Verma, a Professor of Hindi, said, “The students in the morning are drowsy during the first period and the fog will only heighten this. Moreover, students a lot of times tend to skip the first classes due to the fog. This might lead to them missing out on their course material. I think this is a move taken in favour of the students and I appreciate it. I hope the students won’t miss the other classes now.”

Sakshi Sharma, a student of Hansraj College, said, “I welcome this change made by DU. It takes me about two hours to come to college from home. In the fog, it’s especially difficult to travel. It’ll be a great relief for both students and teachers.”

However, Saumya Rao, a third-year student, disagreed with the move, saying, “I don’t think there’s any point in cancelling the classes. Bad weather days may come and go, but I don’t think our routine life should change because of that. This will only lead to us missing out on our syllabus and then cramming during the end. I wish the University focused more on important things like infrastructure.”

While this is going to be implemented only till 15th January, worsening of weather conditions may lead to further changes and cancellation of classes.

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

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Satviki Sanjay

[email protected]

 

The end of semester exams, are reportedly now to commence from 10th December owing to the high rising pollution in Delhi.

On the 21st of November, the Examinations Department of Delhi University (DU) declared that the end-semester examinations for undergraduate students would be now postponed owing  to the high rising levels of pollution observed in the city of Delhi. The order was signed by the Dean of Examinations, Professor Viney Gupta, quoting, “With the pollution level in Delhi rising to such hazardous levels, the department believes it is highly unsafe for the students to step out of their houses and expose themselves to such toxic atmosphere.”

The Department holds that the examinations will now commence from 10th December onwards, by when the pollution level is expected to lower down. A new date sheet will be prepared by the 24th November, and uploaded on the site, www.du.ac.in. However, the gaps provided between the examinations will be lessened so as to not waste students’ precious time. 

This decision was an outcome of lengthy debates held in the Examinations Department following the protests taking place across the University campus for the past few weeks. Protestors had argued, “Numerous students have already fallen prey to the pollution in Delhi. This would severely affect their performance in the examinations, hereby bringing down the average grade of the University itself.”

This is a dire and drastic decision which is not supported by all. It was argued that the postponement of the examinations could lead to a delay in the declaration of the results as well as the commencement of the following semester, thereby making it even more difficult for professors to finish the syllabus on time. “The Department fails to realise the adverse consequences this delay in examinations may bring forth. However, I do hope that they have planned the following semester accordingly and know how to deal with the repercussions,” said Ms Shilpa Khureshi, a professor in the Delhi University.

Dean Viney Gupta argues, “The Department is taking utmost care and looking deeply into the issue. The planning will be done such that not many changes would have to be made to the schedule of the following semester. The students’ health needs to be prioritised over exam schedules.”

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

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Aditi Gutgutia

[email protected]

The Students’ Welfare Committee (SWC) that met last week has decided to install air purifiers in the colleges to assure a pollution-free space for students in times of acute pollution.

 

Delhi has been a gravely polluted space, and it remains so with an alarmingly increasing ratio of pollutants being added into the atmosphere, especially after Diwali celebrations. Even though the Government of Delhi tried to reduce pollution this year, by organising a Diwali celebration and light show in Connaught Place, the results have still been underwhelming. Keeping this in mind, the SWC of the University of Delhi (DU), in its meeting on 1st November, decided to notify all colleges to install air purifiers by the end of the coming month.

This decision was taken after various protests from the students to close colleges, with respect to the pollution in the city were organised throughout the Campus.

“It would not be possible for the colleges to shut down, the University understands the importance of healthcare and values the same, but providing leave to students could lead to the syllabus not being

completed on time and, thus, the Varsity has decided to install air purifiers to ensure that the students’ breath cleaner air,” Bhushan Sarthee Roy, a Committee member, stated.

In the meantime, the Committee has also decided to provide the students with pollution masks at a subsided rate.

Air purifiers are expensive and, thus, this decision was also criticised as the purchase of such a large quantity would not only require additional resources but they also need to be maintained. A memorandum has been sent to the Ministry of Education, with respect to the implementation of the same. Some colleges were not supportive of this decision. “Such a move would mean that the college has to make various changes to accommodate the installation of purifiers.

The Committee has instructed the colleges to bear installation charges and that in turn would reflect on the college fees,” An official, who did not wish to be named, stated. This move has been applauded by many.

“It’s such a relief that DU has decided to install purifiers. It was very difficult to breathe the past week, and many students were suffering from chest pains,” Avantika, a second-year B.A. (Honors) English student at St. Stephen’s College, said.

This move has garnered both negative and positive attention from students and management alike. The news surely comes as a relief to the students as long as the expenses are not added to their term bills.

 

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

 

Featured Image Credits- Global News CA

Stephen Mathew

[email protected]

University of Delhi (DU) has introduced an inter-college society system, in an attempt to tackle the divisions within the Varsity.

DU’s Extra Circular Activities (ECA) and Sports Committees have launched the Delhi University Collegiate Culture Circuit (DUCCC) with newly formed inter-college societies. This initiative was collectively taken in the Executive Council (EC) meeting held on Saturday, 26th October. The two-day long EC meeting witnessed long formulated debates on both sides of the matter. A certain level of hierarchy along with team esteem exists in all the societies of DU, and the scheme may not play out well there.

Many college students have expressed their disagreement with the decision, as they believe it will create segregation instead of belonging. Amaal Kumar, President of Natuve, dramatics society of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, said, “We spend each day of our college life with our society. Now with that gone, it takes away our convenience as well as bonding. It should also be noted that when you’re in the same college, you face similar issues, and are around people with same teachers who understand your society needs. Now all of that will be gone.”

However, the decision has been taken to do away with the college elitism that exists in DU. Ramesh Ray, the ECA Committee Chairperson, said, “This will do away with the resentment among students that has been created out of years of competition, and bring feeling of community as a whole among students.” The DUCCC has been set up to look after the many changes this decision will bring. Allotting areas for practice and scheduling the practice time of inter-college societies will be taken up by this newly formed committee, along with the matters of society elections, and dealing with administrative work.

The official announcement has been made on the DU website and thereby, the scheme will be initiated after the upcoming fest season of January to March, 2020. The campus has received this news with contrasting opinions; many feel a loss of identity to be not known by their college society names. Some others feel this will give an opportunity to meet students from all walks of life. Karan Thapar, member, Vurbum, the western Dance Society of Motilal Nehru College, said, “This is a great step. The barriers of college, location, and seclusion will be broken with this. It will be great to see a Hindu College society member with a member from Ram Lal Anand College to perform, united by their art.”

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

Feature Image Credits: Hitesh Kalra for DU Beat

Chhavi Bahmba

[email protected]

University of Delhi (DU) has introduced an inter-college society system, in an attempt to tackle the divisions within the Varsity.

DU’s Extra Circular Activities (ECA) and Sports Committees have launched the Delhi University Collegiate Culture Circuit (DUCCC) with newly formed inter-college societies. This initiative was collectively taken in the Executive Council (EC) meeting held on Saturday, 26th October. The two day long EC meeting witnessed long formulated debates on both sides of the matter. A certain level of hierarchy along with team esteem exists in all the societies of DU, and the scheme may not play out well there.

Many college students have expressed their disagreement with the decision, as they believe it will create segregation instead of belonging. Amaal Kumar, President of Natuve, dramatics society of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, said, “We spend each day of our college life with our society. Now with that gone, it takes away our convenience as well as bonding. It should also be noted that when you’re in the same college, you face similar issues, and are around people with same teachers who understand your society needs. Now all of that will be gone.”

However, the decision has been taken to do away with the college elitism that exists in DU. Ramesh Ray, the ECA Committee Chairperson, said, “This will do away with the resentment among students that has been created out of years of competition, and bring feeling of community as a whole among students.” The DUCCC has been set up to look after the many changes this decision will bring. Allotting areas for practice and scheduling the practice time of inter-college societies will be taken  up by this newly formed committee, along with the matters of society elections, and dealing with  administrative work.
The official announcement has been made on the DU website and thereby, the scheme will be initiated after the upcoming fest season of January to March, 2020. The campus has received this news with contrasting opinions; many feel a loss of identity to be not known by their college society names. Some others feel this will give an opportunity to meet students from all walks of life.

Karan Thapar, member, Vurbum, the western Dance Society of Motilal Nehru College, said, “This
is a great step. The barriers of college, location, and seclusion will be broken with this. It will be great to see a Hindu College society member with a member from Ram Lal Anand College to perform, united by their art.”
Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Featured Image Credits: Hitesh Kalra for DU Beat

Chhavi Bahmba
[email protected]

Owing to the increasing cases of deteriorating mental health of the students of  the Delhi University (DU), the varsity has decided to set up two mobile phone de-addiction centres in collaboration with the World University Service (WUS) in the North and South Campus.

Smart phones have eased the communication process. However, it has given rise to a new set of severe problems. A recent study conducted by the Department of Psychology suggests that the increased dependence on the smart phones is leading to severe smart phone addiction and instability in the mental health of the students of DU. In such a scenario, digital detox and counselling of the student community has become imperative.

Researchers have decoded four common triggers for the compulsive use of smartphones which, if addressed, can help shun the screen addiction. The four triggers for habitual smartphone use are: during unoccupied moments, like waiting for a friend to show up; before or during tedious and repetitive tasks; when in socially awkward situations; and when people anticipate getting a message or notification.

Since most of the communication regarding classes and college activities happens through the smart phones, giving up on them is not an option, making them a necessary evil.

Mamta Banerjee, from Lady Shri Ram College, said, “The whole college works on Whatsapp. Everything regarding classes, events and activities is communicated through Whatsapp only. The phone keeps pinging all day and I can’t help but to get addicted to it.”

Another student, who wishes to be anonymous, said, “I wake up to the beep of the cell-phone and sleep with the cell phone in my hand. I always get the fear of missing out and the compulsive urge to constantly check my phone which has increased my dependence on it.”

Professors of the DU colleges have observed the increased use of mobile phones in the classroom, and aggressive behaviour of students when they were called out for it. Dr. Reema Ranjan, a professor commented, “I always ask students to keep their mobile phones in their bags as students tend to use phones during lectures and the attention span of the students has reduced.”

Head of the Department of Psychology, DU, Professor Ananda Pradhan said, “The study conducted by the department found out some stark realities about the mental health and digital toxicity in students. Therefore, owing to the welfare of both the students and teachers, we recommended the varsity to setup the de- addiction centres for counselling”.

In light of this, the University is set to opening these centres at the World University Service (WUS) in the North and South Campus and proposes to organise workshops and regular counselling for students in order to facilitate digital detoxification and check the screen time among students.

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

Feature Image Credits:  Bagby

SriyaRane

[email protected]