Education Minister once again advocated the decision to conduct the final exams. Ramesh Kumar Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ asserted that the revised UGC guidelines are appropriate. Keeping students’ future in mind, the authority came to this conclusion.
Once again defending the higher education regulator, the University Grants Commission’s decision was necessary. The Education Minister highlighted that the body does not want their students to suffer in the future.
As per the guidelines, universities have to conduct examinations for last year’s students. All the undergraduate and postgraduate final year students have to appear for the exams. However, the exams can be either held via online, offline, or blended mode.
He was addressing the Association of Indian Universities’ annual vice-chancellors meets, through a webinar.
Adding further, the Education Minister said that he had interaction with many universities. Some of them have already conducted the exams while some are doing it. The universities also welcomed the new guidelines. Due to the pandemic, students’ futures should not be put on stake.
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Revised UGC guidelines
On July 6, UGC released guidelines regarding the conduction of exams. The body asked universities to hold the final years’ exams. Also, the exams maybe are done through online, offline, or mixed mode.
The decision will come up for hearing on 18th August.
One PIL has been filed by 31 final year students who questioned the UGC exam-related guidelines. The students petitioned to the court to grant relief to final year students deeming their health, safety, job, and admission opportunities.
States like Maharashtra, Orissa, and Delhi have also opposed the new guidelines. Due to the prevailing pandemic, it will not be feasible to conduct exams.
The University of Delhi is holding exams for last year’s students via online mode. However, students are facing multiple difficulties.
Despite the facts, the education minister, as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs, supported the new guidelines.
On NEP 2020
The Education Minister said that the new education policy will boost India’s position. Also, India can become a leader on the global stage.
We have aimed to improve GER to 50% by 2035, it’s a huge target we have to attain which would mean enrolling 3.5 crores more pupils, Pokhriyal said.
The National Research Foundation will create a research culture in our nation. He added This NEP 2020 is the basis of nation-building. I exhort you to plan how research can be enhanced.
MHRD RENAMED AS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION UNDER NEP
Additionally, he said that the ministry always favors giving autonomy to the universities. We are looking forward to how to increase the autonomy of universities. Currently, only 8000 colleges have autonomy and the target is 45000.
