New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) is likely to take another year to be a part of the Meta University concept. On the other hand, Delhi University (DU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) have recently announced the nation’s first Meta University course, namely, Masters in Mathematics Education. As per sources, IIT Delhi doesn’t have any plans of starting any academic programme as part of the project on cards, right now.
However, it is also informed that IIT Delhi is in talks with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for collaborative research activities under the Meta University project for setting up a “design” innovation centre. This centre will help students with an entrepreneurial mind to transform their ideas into products. Moreover, courses in innovation and inter-disciplinary programmes across departments would be offered by the innovation centre leading to product designs. The centre is estimated to be serviceable in another six months. Moreover, it has got the nod of the HRD Ministry that has extended financial aid of Rs 25 crore for its construction purpose.
While explaining about the Meta University concept, R K Shevgaonkar, Director, IIT Delhi, said that the institute had talks with JNU, but the plan will take another year or more to come into action. In addition, the institute also held discussions with DU and JMI, but the modalities are yet to be finalized. He also informed that IIT Delhi would like to start research collaboration with JNU in the areas of public health, climate change and education. Furthermore, he said that when IIT Delhi will decide to launch the academic programmes, students will get joint degrees with logos of all the four participating institutes.
