JOIN USDU nudges colleges to go creative
Delhi University is calling for innovative, transdisciplinary project proposals from colleges which — if selected — will be given a grant of Rs 10 lakh per project in a phased manner.
“The project duration is of 12 months. It should be designed in a way which includes three faculty members in the team from atleast two distinct departments. The selected students shall be given a stipend of Rs 1,000 per month,” said an official, adding that this year’s response has been more than the last year.
Ten undergraduate students will be selected in each project. DU started innovation project scheme last year and approved over 100 projects. Recently, Dinesh Singh, vice chancellor of DU, said the university will help the successful projects to get patented.
“An e-museum on Zoology was designed by the students and faculty members of Dyal Singh College in which they created online database of photographs, literature and offered free alternative to preserved specimens and books,” said the official.
“Other projects include night shelter for rickshaw pullers by St Stephen’s college students, water purifiers designed by Zakir Hussain College students, paper recycling plant by Sri Aurobindo College,” he added.
Guided by mentor
The project will have a mentor of a reputable academic standing and an expert from outside the college. “The advisor will be eligible for an honorarium of Rs 25,000 for the entire duration of project in addition to travel reimbursement of Rs 2,000 per month,” said the official.
The university has further suggested illustrations of what could be possible projects for this year. “Understanding the algorithmic system of Paninian system of grammar, understanding the themes in the poetry of weavers from various parts of the country, factors which determine wages for workers in successful fast food outlets, understanding the mathematical and economic principles which underline the success and operational efficiencies of Mumbai’s dabbawalas among others,” added the official.
Several college principals admitted that the students’ response has been positive this time. “Last year, the students learnt a lot while researching on them,” said a principal in a north campus college.