Justice Sachar knocks on PM's door to halt FYUP

Writes letter along with Kuldip Nayar, some activists

Eminent personalities, including former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Rajindar Sachar and veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, have sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to prevent “hurried” implementation of Delhi University’s four-year programme.

Sachar, Nayar and some activists have expressed concern regarding DU’s “hurried” implementation of the new undergraduate programme, which is to replace the existing three-year degree course, in the letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Such a basic change in the higher education system or policy should first be considered and examined by the ministry of human resource development and Parliament in consultation with prominent educationists of India,” the letter said.

“Delhi University does not exist in isolation. If this change is so valuable, it should be implemented on a national level and there should be a national debate about its merit. Delhi University can wait for a couple of years in the best interest of students all over India,” it read.

Socialist leader Bhai Vaidya and activist Sandeep Pandey were among the other signatories of the letter. They said students coming from weaker sections, especially those belonging to SC, ST and OBC, will face difficulties in pursuing the new programme as they will not be able to meet the expenditure of an additional year.

“In view of the serious apprehensions voiced by so many educationists, social workers and teachers, we plead to intervene and prevent its implementation immediately,” the intellectuals said in their letter.

A section of teachers and students have been organising several campaigns to oppose the four-year undergraduate programme, which will be introduced from this year’s academic session.

The new programme will be a shift from the present 10+2+3 scheme and entail awarding a diploma if a student exits after two years, a bachelor’s degree after three years and a bachelor’s degree with honours or a BTech degree on completion of four years.

The admission process for various courses under the new pattern will begin on June 5.