Delhi University (DU) has reversed its decision to increase fees for corrections in mark sheets and degree certificates following strong opposition from members of the Academic Council.
The initial decision, approved by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh last month, proposed raising fees from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for corrections made within six years of graduation, and from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for corrections beyond six years. However, during a recent meeting, the Academic Council, comprising DU teachers, voiced vehement objections to the fee hike, prompting the administration to reconsider.
Rollback of Fee Hike and New Approvals
In response to the opposition, the Academic Council not only succeeded in halting the fee hike but also approved several new proposals. One significant decision was the introduction of courses focusing on three new criminal laws for LLB students at the Faculty of Law, effective from July 1.
Another noteworthy development was the approval of a BA (Hons) programme in Russian Language, slated to commence from the academic year 2024-2025. Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh highlighted this as a pioneering move for DU, marking the first undergraduate-level programme in Russian, previously only offered at the postgraduate level.
Additionally, the Council greenlit the establishment of the Dr BR Ambedkar Chair at the university, pending approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC). It also sanctioned six new elective papers at the Centre for Hindu Studies, including subjects like ‘Introduction to Vedic Literature’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita for Humanity’.
Forward-Looking Decisions
Further decisions taken at the meeting included recommendations from the Department of Anthropology to facilitate MSc Forensic Science students’ visits to crime scenes via police stations. The Council also approved a proposal enabling students to pursue dual degrees concurrently—one through regular mode and another through open and distance learning.
However, a proposal to include Manusmriti in the LLB curriculum was rejected by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh following objections from some faculty members and students. VC Singh clarified that the decision stemmed from the findings of a pre-screening committee, which deemed the proposal unsuitable.
Delhi University’s recent decisions reflect its commitment to academic excellence and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, ensuring equitable access and progressive educational reforms.
