New Delhi: Delhi University's (DU) plan to roll in 7,000 more students during the ensuing session 2009-10, seems to be far away from reality. The Varsity is caught in a intertwine of regulatory authorities, as the proposal of UGC funded colleges, which received grants for infrastructure development, are stuck with MCD. The Delhi government funded colleges of DU are yet to receive grants for expansion.
DU this year made an addition of 18% of seats to the existing 42000 seats, across its various constituent colleges. UGC has shell out an amount of Rs 430.88 crore to the varsity to meet its expansion plans. As per the university records, Rs 129 crore have already been distributed to 52 colleges for infrastructure development. Moreover, the 12 colleges funded by the state government have not received a single penny in the name of OBC implementation.
Said Rajib Ray, member, executive council, DU that proposal after proposals are stuck at the MCD level. DU affiliated colleges have to start classes by July 15, and in most cases, not a single brick has been laid. If the work starts now, it will be able to meet the demand by next only. College authorities said they are ill prepared to take the extra load. The expansion plans which include construction of classrooms and laboratories are ready, but it’s only on paper. Nothing can move forward without the approvals from various agencies.
Pental and Gurpreet Tuteja, Deputy Dean, Student's Welfare, suggested that the single shift colleges should extend their class hours to accommodate more students. Tuteja said that although there has been a delay, but the files are now moving fast and something concrete by end of this year is expected. However, problems are sure to arise with the commencement of classes in July. He further mentioned that, the expansion also includes recruitment of teachers, and the first phase, 1282 teachers are supposed to be appointed.
