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DU Colleges Allege Delhi Government For Not Releasing Funds

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Several colleges of University of Delhi have alleged that they have not been receiving adequate funds from the Delhi Government for years. Here is a quick rundown of events that have lead to this never ending tiff between the university and the state government.

The Delhi Government is a part benefactor to some colleges which come under the University of Delhi. Out of the 28 colleges under DU, the Delhi Government fully funds twelve colleges and partially funds the remaining sixteen. According to some sources, the Delhi Government gives about 360 crores annually to the 28 colleges.

On 31st July, Manish Sisodia directed the Finance Department to stop the funds to 28 colleges of DU; over what he termed was “mala fide to delay the formation of governing bodies” which had been pending since October 2016. The purpose of these governing bodies was to facilitate and keep the check on the funds provided to DU by the government of Delhi and to ensure accountability. In a last minute save, the university sent a list of names for the governing bodies. However, that list was rejected by the Delhi Government on 14th August on procedural grounds.

In a letter to DU’s vice-chancellor Yogesh Tyagi, Manish Sisodia articulated “unhappiness” over “under-hand politics” in the formation of the governing bodies, which he alleged was the cause for lack in the operation of these colleges.
To contribute to the contention, multiple colleges of DU have alleged that the government has not released the allocated funds on time required for development. To add to these allegations, they also brought to notice that the government often released less than what they necessitate as a part of their budget which affects the functioning.

Principal of Kalindi College told Times of India that the college has not received adequate funds for the past three years. Dr. Anulya Maurya enumerated that the budget is made on the funds they assume they will receive; however they have not received proper funds from the government. The administration also commented saying that the problem lies in the formula upon which the funds are calculated. The government only accounts for 1000 students per college, however, in reality; the population is of about 3000-4500. This back and forth disputation between the two has affected the day to day functioning of the colleges that are aided by the government.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Maharaja Agrasen College, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies and nine others receive direct funding from the government. Whereas colleges like Kamala Nehru College, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Shivaji College, Gargi College and fourteen others come under the partially-funded category.

 

Image credits: Aapka Times

Bhavya Banerjee
bhavyaba@dubeat.com

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Events

Spade, Shivaji College: Session on Freedom and Liberalism

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SPADE, the socio economic society of Shivaji College, University of Delhi, organised a Policy Dialogue session on the topic “Economic Freedom and Liberalism” in association with Centre for Civil Society on 26th October 2017. The seminar covered various aspects of liberalisation and economic freedom and a different perspective was kept forward.

People attending the event
People attending the event

The session started with Mr. Mitra introducing a quiz, an exercise that tests the political inclination of a person. He then explained the concept of economic freedom and brought to notice the events of 1991 where the Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation policy was introduced.

He talked about the global economic freedom levels where India ranks at 95 and how the lack of political stability affects the freedom levels. He drew out different parameters that affect the economic freedom of a country such as the protection of civil rights and political rights, the ease of doing business, world Competitive Index, Global Hunger and Press Freedom. Stating “Democracy is not a majority rule, it is the right to respect and protect those in the minority, it is a process, a negative feedback check” he explained how India has come down from being a full democracy to a flawed democracy.

Talking about liberalism he mentioned about the Right to choose and Right to Property and how it has a deep impact on the global Liberalisation. He emphasized drawing the relationship between the Right to Property and the historic disputes stating “75% of civil court cases are property disputes”. The event marked a great success for the society.

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Uncategorized

Qui-Vive: Students’ Discounts Around You

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Being a student has its perks – be it in tourists’ places or on various airlines. So, get acquainted with a few privileges you can acquire being a student and make the most out of the opportunities.

With proper documentation, you can indeed enjoy the perquisites of being a student irrespective of whether you are in the first year of middle school or the final year of college. Take it easy on your little pockets and explore the places that can help you cut costs as students.

1. Discount Cards!

The University of Delhi has schemes under which you can get discount cards to help you save 20% to 50% on your expenditure. With an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), you can avail of great discounts all across the world on airfares, hotels, restaurants, magazines, cafes, multiplexes and game ranges. The Paisa Card, Taf Bazaar Card and Desconto are some cards you can apply for- to avail discounts at various eateries, bookstores, apparel stores, gyms and beauty parlours in Delhi NCR.

2. Apple Back-to-School Products

If you love Apple products, under their Back to College offer, you can get student discounts on the MacBook, iMac, iPads and even iPhones ranging between a minimum of Rs3,000 to Rs12,000.

3.  Fly With Discounts

There are students discount schemes in IndiGo Airlines and Air Asia and 50% discount schemes at both JetKonnect and Air India. Under this offer, your check-in baggage limit is increased by around 20 to 25kgs usually. The offer is only valid on economy seats. If you are studying abroad, Thomas Cook offers all US-bound flight base fares from Rs21,500, UK, and Europe from Rs9,800 and Canada from Rs23,000. Air India and other airlines like British Airlines offer free baggage allowance to students.

4. Gym Memberships

Gold’s Gym outlets across the country have a 50% off for all students. O2 gym offers an additional 5% off. Most gyms run student offers throughout the year in and around campus in DU.

5. Bus And Train Passes

Being a student has its benefits while travelling in the city as well.  In Delhi, you can get concession on a bus pass if you are a student but the Metro is yet to offer any kind of discounts. Indian Railways provide students’ concession in train tickets.

6. Courier services

You can use courier services from DHL and FedEx to send your admission applications for a flat rate of Rs890 and Rs990, respectively. To avail of this offer, you only need to carry a photocopy of your current college ID or any photo ID and address proof to verify your age. This has been specially designed for international university aspirants.

7. All Touristy

Heritage sites in most of the states have student tourist discounts. Also, special tour packages are available for college-going students at pocket-friendly prices.

 

Feature Image Credits: Yupcard

Radhika Boruah

radhikab@dubeat.com

 

 

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Arts & Culture

Celebrating Mental Well-being at Cluster Innovation Centre

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Held on the 24th and 25th of October, the two-day event saw an array of activities devoted to the cause of raising awareness about mental health issues.

Students of B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) celebrated a two-day Mental Health Awareness Week at the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), University of Delhi.

The first day began with a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Sorting Through Gender Identity, Sex, and Sexual Orientation’. Bhani Rachel Bali, the creator and founder of Kranti Kali, a startup that promotes feminism through art and technology, spoke about online harassment of women.  Taksh Sharma, a model, brought light to the transgender perspective through her personal experiences as a trans woman. Rakesh Kumar Singh is an author, activist, and founder of Ride for Gender Freedom, an initiative that aims to sensitise people about gender-based violence, talked about male privilege and the ways in which men can be good allies in feminist movements.

After the panel discussion, a workshop on menstrual hygiene was conducted by the students of CIC belonging to the Menstruation is Not a Taboo (MINT) Project. A quiz contest on mental well-being and psychology took place. Adil Jacob and Siddharth Garg from Jamia Millia Islamia won the competition. The first day of MHW came to a close with the film screening of the Academy award-winning movie, The Danish Girl.

The second day started with Living Stories, a project that initiates conversations between a person who acts as a book and others who come as readers. This edition of the project was solely dedicated to mental health.

This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic, “What’s depressing the millennials?” One of the panelists, Simran Luthra, the founder and curator of Talk Happy Therapy, an initiative which works for mental health awareness, shared her experiences of dealing with people with depression. Subhra Solanki is a guest lecturer at Jamia Millia Islamia, and discussed the problem of rigidity Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Slam poetry competition on the topic, ‘When Love Checks In’ saw 14 participants perform moving pieces of the spoken word that was followed by a special performance by slam maestro and judge, Shibani Das. Riah Rath from CIC won the competition and Aditya Kapur from Motilal Nehru College came second.

In the late afternoon, a cultural extravaganza hosted an array of wonderful performances. Rubhen D’sa, the founder of Taameer, a Delhi-based social community, shared fun stories about his travels. He was followed by Prateek Sachdeva, self-identifying Drag Queen, who entertained the audience with a stunning dance performance. Devang Panday and Apurv Chatterjee, students of DU, serenaded the audience with a medley of hit songs.  Zikr, the dramatics society of Cluster Innovation Centre, also performed a short but impactful play, narrating the story of a young gender-nonconforming boy.

 

In the end, the prize distribution ceremony took place and Mr. Ashu Mishra, Assistant Professor, CIC gave an exhortation speech. The event came to close with the vote of thanks.

 

Image Credits: Ened D’souza (From the left: Rakesh Singh, Bani Rachel Bali, and Taksh Sharma.)

Image Caption: The first day of Mental Health Awareness Week began with a panel discussion on Gender Sensitisation

 

Niharika Dabral
niharikad@dubeat.com

 

 

 

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News

School Of Open Learning Hesitant To Spend On Digital Learning

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The governing body of University of Delhi’s School of Open Learning (SOL) has decided that it cannot afford to spend Rs 10 lakh to facilitate digital learning for around 1,800 poor students.

Last year, the annual interest and fee income of the institution was around Rs. 45 crores. Even after making capital amounts of Rs. 473 crores, SOL is reluctant to spend a meagre amount in the name of the underprivileged students. As sources revealed, the SOL spends around Rs. 15 crores on printing study materials every year. But on September 29, the governing board at its meeting refused to sanction Rs 10 lakh that would have facilitated distribution of tablets (each estimated to cost around Rs. 5000 each) among the needy students of the school.

SOL came up with a project to provide tablets to 1,849 students from the below-poverty-line section to enable them access to the school’s digital platform and e-resources. SOL’s governing body shot down the idea because it decided that “corporate social responsibility is not required of an educational institution”. CS Dubey, chairman of Campus of Open Learning, has written to the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to intervene and allow the use of funds for the initiative.  Dubey highlighted the Government of India’s initiative Swayam, pushing for a digital platform in education. Here students could access learning materials on tablets through initiatives like SOL’s own 101 video lectures and SGTB Khalsa College’s 100 MOOC lectures. Indeed, without digital intervention, economically disadvantaged students would miss out on various e-resources available to SOL.

Revealing about Dubey’s letter to MHRD, an official said, “The letter states that despite the huge unused funds, the plan to help poor students with tablets customised for SOL’s indigenous learning management system that is already in operation- was not sympathetically considered at the special governing board meeting.” Though Dubey refused to comment on his letter to the ministry, he said that while SOL is striving to develop the flipped-classroom technology by giving more importance to virtual/ audio-visual teaching-learning followed by activity/skill-based experiential learning, it is “important to offer information and communication technology tools to the students from a financially weaker background for inclusive education”.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

 

Radhika Boruah

radhikab@dubeat.com

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First Digital Library Installed At Gwyer Hall

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Gwyer Hall, oldest DU boys’ hostel gets first digital library on Saturday, in a first of its kind initiative. Launched with 10 lakh e-resources, a seed fund of Rs 15 lakh was granted by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari from his MPLADS fund for the library.

The e-library is the first such library in a government-run institution of the country which was inaugurated by Minister of State for HRD (Human Resource Development) , Satyapal Singh, while the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Chief, Manoj Tiwari, was the Guest of Honour. The Gwyer Hall digital library at the University of Delhi started with 10 lakh online books – journals, research books and literature. The aim was to help students get access to digital content from their hostel room at any time of the day.

Another Rs 1 crore fund is announced for initiating digital libraries in other hostels, Such initiatives are being undertaken for digital inclusion and students should play a crucial role in the Digital Movement. Applauding the step, Singh told the Times of India,” Apart from the benefits to the students, such initiatives are environment-friendly also.”

Feature Image Credits: The Rickshaw Explorer

 

Oorja Tapan

oorjat@dubeat.com

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News

Delhi HC asks authorities for a plan on defacement of public property

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The Delhi High Court on Monday directed various authorities — including the Delhi Police, DMRC, MCDs, DU vice-chancellor, Union Home ministry, winning candidates of DUSU polls, the dean of students’ welfare, and the petitioner in the case of preventing defacement of public property during Delhi University Student Union election campaigning – to convene a meeting in order to devise a plan of action.

The court has also asked the winning candidates to place an action plan on how they proposed to clean the area and how future elections would be conducted. A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar issued the order while hearing the plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, as reported by The Indian Express.

On Monday, the elected student representatives — including DUSU president Rocky Tuseed and vice-president Kunal Sehrawat — were in court. Stating that many of the defaced properties bore his name, the bench sought an explanation from Rocky. Counsel for Rocky told the court that they had carried out cleanliness drives in the North and South campuses — with the help of students and NGOs — to remove the graffiti and spray paint, irrespective of which candidate or political party had carried out the defacement.

The plea highlighted defacement of public property in Delhi University, properties within the jurisdiction of the MCDs and the Delhi Metro. It added that it was next to impossible to completely remove the defacement. The bench then directed the authorities to file a report of the meeting — to be held on 27th October at 3 pm at the dean’s office — on the next date of hearing on 28th November.

The bench has further said that defacement of public property was a cognizable offence, punishable with 10 years in jail. Rocky and the other candidates assured the bench that they would not do so in future.

 

Feature Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Ankita Dhar Karmakar
Ankitad@dubeat.com

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DUB Speak

The Reality Of Internal Assessments

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Thanks to an impressive array of Bollywood movies and pop culture’s depiction of the University of Delhi many people are under an illusion that life of a college student is all fun and play. But now, with each assignment and test, the illusion of glamour is getting over alongside the semester itself. The credit for this goes to Internal Assessments.

Internal Assessment (IA) refers to a quota of 25% marks that is reserved for continuous flow of assignments, attendance, and tests that take place throughout the semester.
The breakup and weightage of IA is:
• Attendance- 5%
• Written assignments- 10%
• Class test(s)/ Quiz(s)- 10%
While 25% of the maximum marks in each paper is assigned for Internal Assessment the remaining 75% marks are for the final end of the semester examination.

With Delhi University’s exhaustive syllabus, regular work in form of tests and assignments keeps us in touch with the academics which ultimately reduces the burden for final preparation. The long readings are often neglected by the students, and when they finally come across the study material two days before the exam, they freak out. With internals one becomes familiar with the text, and instead of last-minute cramming students actually pause and learn. Also, since marks are awarded for attendance, this provision encourages more and more students to turn up.

Another benefit of Internal Assessment is that, if a student is failing by one or two marks, the teacher can sympathetically increase the internal assessment score.
However on the flip side, many students believe that Internal Assessment is nothing, but incessant nagging of work. Even though assignments are supposed to span across the semester, what ends up happening is teachers concentrate all work in last few weeks. When three-term papers with 3000-word limit are assigned just a few days back, students have no other choice but to shamelessly indulge in plagiarism. Therefore, most people those who turn up the assignments do it for the sake of it. Many students also question the need for tests in the middle of the semester when they ultimately have to write final exams.

This time, first week of October was declared as the Internal Assessments week in many Delhi University colleges. It is impossible not to question the logic behind this system. Mugging up facts to spill out on empty sheets over a course of one week is as good as not appearing for tests in the first place, except the marks are an easy catch. Most students would rather opt the easy way out and complete the required assignment, pulling all-nighters, regardless of the knowledge gained in the process. According to Nivvedhitha Shankar, a second year student of Commerce from Jesus and Mary College, a prerogative of case studies for internals can help both the parties involved. Students can learn in the process, and teachers can devise new and innovative ways to ensure students score well. Putting equal impetus on assignments and case studies can go hand-in-hand, and can give students the outlet to apply theoretical concepts in real life.
Similarly, the 5 marks alloted for attendance mark a controversial grey-zone in the ambiguous clout. The intention was to recognise regularity and discipline in students, but it more or less fails at that. In many DU colleges, professors care little about attendance marks and mark very leniently. Some professors can be equally uptight regarding attendance matters. There can be a major difference in scores because of these 5 marks. A meritorious student who is keen on participating in competitions and attending conferences may feel helpless. Despite his/ her ability to finish the syllabus quickly, there is always an added pressure of losing marks on the pretext of attendance.

However much we praise or neglect internals, they are here to stay. Our best shot is to question regressive methods of teaching and hopefully not get penalised for the same.

Feature Image Credits: India Unimagined

 

Niharika Dabral
niharikad@dubeat.com

Vijeata Balani
vijeatab@dubeat.com

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DUB Speak

Skills Every Graduate Should be Acquainted With

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There’s a lot more to learning than just endeavouring to excel within the realms of academics. Here’s a list of skills every graduate should possess, for the night is dark and full of terrors.

Be it a few weeks, months, or years, a wave of agreement splashes our hearts when we say college life is much more than just studying course books and attending lectures. It is a stage of learning and shaping oneself for the future. This stage needs to be propped with certain skills that can prove to be useful in the future. And for the same, here are a few skills that every graduate should seek to learn:

Public Speaking

This is one of those skills that should be seen as a prerequisite in today’s time. Being able to stand in front of a crowd and speak confidently is an absolute must. The need to do so can pop up from college events to business presentations in the future.

Microsoft Office

Knowing how to use Microsoft programs like MS Word and MS Excel is very important especially for commerce students. Having the knowledge of the tips and tricks will help one have good command resulting in increased efficiency. This might help one have an edge in the workplace.

Coding

The rise of computers and its emergence has made it necessary for students to have good knowledge in computers. And so, joining courses to learn some computer program is highly suggested. It might come in handy sometime.

Cooking

Going far home to study and work is a common occurrence nowadays. The one thing that worries us all is the quality of food we’ll have wherever we go. This makes it absolutely necessary a learn how to cook at least a few basic things so that we can satisfy our insatiable stomachs whenever we miss home-cooked food.

Analytical Skills

Many of us ignore the importance of having the skill of analysing situations and problems. Analysing is not confined to just making those college assignment submissions, they help us with our personal lives as well. The importance of engaging our brains with problem-solving events and case study presentations cannot be overstated.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are the benchmark set of generic professional skills one should possess and hone to reach the starting point of success. It includes decision-making, self-motivation, and teamwork amongst other qualities. Possessing these skills can help one adapt into any organisation quicker and perform better. Everyone wants be appreciated by all, and growing through the ranks and these skills can certainly trigger the process.
Feature Image Credits: 123RF

Karan Singhania
karans@dubeat.com

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Arts & Culture

Celebrate Diwali This Year By Visiting These 6 Great Diwali Melas!

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Diwali is that time of year when the entire campus lights up with frolic and festivity. And this time, the festivity is expected to be better and bigger than ever, with various colleges planning grand Diwali melas.

With seasonal festivities around the corner and the mid-semester break having just ended, it’s time to recuperate in a fun manner. Diwali melas serve this very purpose, reminding everyone that the festival is about more than just bursting crackers and spreading pollution. DU Beat interacted with the representatives of a few organising teams of various colleges to ask them what makes their Diwali mela different from the others’. Here are their responses:

Suruchi, Hindu College (12th October, 11 a.m. onwards)

It is innovative because the decoration on display is made entirely out of waste material, particularly using the pamphlets from Mecca, Hindu College’s annual fest, and Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The mela provides an opportunity for the blind society to set up a stall, from which all proceeds go towards underprivileged students and individuals in nearby slums.

 

Diwali Mela, Hansraj College (11th October, 12 p.m. onwards)

Just like in previous years, this year too, all the proceeds from the Diwali mela campaign will go towards an educational trip for the students of Padhaku, the educational wing of NSS, Hansraj College. Many fun events and games have been planned out for the attendees, including a special surprise that would be revealed on the day itself.

 

Zistatva, Gargi College (11th October, 9:30 a.m. onwards)

Grand celebrations have been planned this year, including an inauguration ceremony with the chief guest, Somnath Bharti, and special performances that would be put on a showcase for the event, alongside fun pre-jitter events that were held on 10th October.

 

Sparsh, Jesus and Mary College (12th October, 10 a.m. onwards)

This annual fiesta, organised by NSS JMC, is expected to be bigger and better this year, as JMC has entered its golden jubilee year and celebrations for the same have begun in full swing. From fashionable items and scrumptious delicacies for everyone, many NGOs will also put up self-made products for sale.

 

Aashayein, Kirori Mal College (12th October, 11 a.m. onwards)

Organised by Sahyog, which aims to empower underprivileged children under NSS KMC, this event will be a fun affair. Many activities have been planned for the day, including treasure hunts, beg-borrow-steal, rangoli making, and golgappa eating competitions.

 

Noor, Lady Shri Ram College for Women (14th October, 9 a.m. onwards)

The theme for this year’s mela is ‘Dastagiri’, which means ‘helping’. Apart from NGOs putting up stalls, there will also be a special kids’ corner with activities and refreshments dedicated specifically to them. There will also be a cultural programme where children from various NGOs would be given a platform to engage with the audience through singing, acting, dancing, or anything else which they would like to showcase. However, men above the age of 14 are not allowed at this fair.

 
Feature Image Credits: NSS, Jesus and Mary College

Vijeata Balani

 

vijeatab@dubeat.com

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