'Introduction Of This Course Should Be Deferred'

June 4, 2013

Dr M. M. Pallam Raju 
Minister for Human Resource Development 
Shastri Bhawan, 
C-Wing, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, 
New Delhi-110001

Dear Shri Pallam Raju ji 

The University of Delhi has d ecided to introduce a four year graduation course from this year. Va rious delegations of members of the teaching staff of the university have met me and represented their views against the switch over to the four-year course. 

Ordinarily it is the discretion of the academic community to decide the duration of its course. Many like me would respect the decision of the academic community. However, in th e present instance I am constrained to observed that:

• Adequate and extensive discussion within the university has not been held while deciding to switc h over to a four year course.
• Even with regard to the content of the curriculum, the subject has not been adequately discusse d in the various faculties and departments
• The impact of a three years course becoming a four year course in terms of the socio-economic realties of India has not been factored.
• It has not been discussed why the switch over to the four year course is for one university and does not apply to the others universities.

In view of the above, I am of the opinion that the introduction of this course should be deferred for some time and extensive discussion be held amongst the academic community before switchover decision is implemented.

With regards 

Yours Sincerely,
Arun Jaitley