Delhi University launches UG Russian language programme, approves dual degrees

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 13, 2024 10:27 IST

Delhi University (DU) held its 1018th Academic Council meeting under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the university's council hall. The meeting began with a comprehensive report on the university's various activities presented by the Vice-Chancellor.

During the Zero Hour, before discussing the agenda, council members deliberated on numerous issues and shared their views and suggestions. Responding to a question about the Dr BR Ambedkar Chair, the Vice-Chancellor informed us that a proposal has been sent to the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the chair will be established upon receiving approval.

INTRODUCTION OF RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AT UG LEVEL

Professor Yogesh Singh announced that for the first time, a Russian language program will be introduced at the undergraduate (UG) level, starting from the academic session 2024-2025. This program, under the Faculty of Arts’ Slavonic and Finno-Ugrian Studies Department, received approval based on UGCF 2022 guidelines. Previously, Russian was only offered at the postgraduate (PG) level.

FACULTY APPOINTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED COLLEGES

Regarding faculty appointments in 12 colleges funded by the Delhi government, Professor Singh stated that all colleges will be instructed to advertise vacancies by July 31, 2024. The Vice-Chancellor also approved the nomination of three members from the Academic Council to the committee on teacher preferences.

CURRICULUM UPDATES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

The council approved changes to the fourth-semester curriculum for MSc Forensic Science students, based on recommendations from the Anthropology Department. These changes include crime scene visits via police stations, project reports on courtroom and case ethnography, and training in forensic science laboratories.

PROVISION FOR DUAL DEGREES

The council also approved the provision for students to pursue two degrees simultaneously. One degree can be undertaken in regular mode at university colleges/departments, and the second degree can be pursued in open and distance learning mode through the School of Open Learning or Campus of Open Learning. The initial implementation will be within the university system, with the potential for broader application based on experience.

EQUIVALENCE OF SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY DEGREES

The council discussed and approved the equivalence of degrees awarded by central Sanskrit universities (e.g., Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University) with DU degrees for research and employment purposes. The equivalencies include:

• Shastri = B.A.

• Honoured Shastri = B.A. (Honours)

• Acharya = M.A.

• Shiksha Shastri = B.Ed.

• Shiksha Acharya = M.Ed.

• Vidya Varidhi = Ph.D.

• Vachaspati = D.Litt.

DU’s Sanskrit Department offers various PG courses and specialisations, and the Acharya degrees from Sanskrit universities in similar subjects will be considered equivalent to DU's M.A. programmes.

OTHER APPROVAL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The meeting also considered recommendations from the Standing Committee meeting held on June 25, 2024, and approved suitable amendments to the curriculum, teaching methods, and evaluation processes for various departments and colleges.

The meeting started with DU Registrar Dr Vikas Gupta presenting the minutes of the previous meeting and the 'Action Taken Report' on decisions from the 1016th and 1017th meetings for confirmation by the Academic Council.