(Image source from: Latest developments in Delhi University's FYUP admissions row })

The future of over three lakh students seems to be in jeopardy as they await enrolment in a college this year. And the reason is the disagreement between the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Delhi University.

College admissions at the Delhi University have been stalled for the first time over the controversial Four Year Undergraduate Programme or FYUP that was introduced last year.

The UGC, which is the central funding agency for colleges, wants the FYUP scrapped. However, the Delhi University is not willing to comply to the UGC's diktat. But the row between UGC and DU is affecting more than three lakh students, waiting to enrol for the undergraduate programme in colleges this year.

As of now admissions have been stalled following a meeting involving the principals of 36 colleges. They have unanimously decided to hold back the cut-off lists untill the dispute receives "unambiguous guidelines from a competent authority."

DU colleges have been directed by UGC to stop admitting students under the four-year programme. UGC has asked colleges to accept fees for three years only.

According to reports, quite a few of these colleges are actually willing to end the FYUP and go back to the old three-year programme.

However, DU's Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh has not shown any inclination to end the four-year pattern. In the face of Mr Singh's defiance, UGC may be provoked to take a legal action for his removal.

The government is not willing to interfere in this issue and wants the UGC and Delhi University to reach a solution on their own. The BJP is in favour of scrapping the four-year system. It had talked of scrapping the FYUP during its election campaigns.

But there is a section of Delhi University teachers who want the continuation of the four year programme. Today they will sit on a hunger strike. However, the various student bodies are against it. They has protested against the FYUP on Monday.

Incidentally, Delhi University does not have the infrastructure for a four year system, according to reports. Majority of the teachers and students feel that DU's infrastructure needs to be upgraded for the FYUP. The system has 11 foundation courses, which is compulsory for all students in the first two years at college.

Last year, when Delhi University introduced the FYUP it was widely criticised for being ill-timed and not fully planned. The critics were of the opinion that India's current system of schooling (the 10+2 scheme) is well suited for students as it makes them ready to choose a specific subject or discipline on joining college.

A 10-member committee has been appointed by UGC to ensure smooth transition into the old three years system. This would involve restructuring the course of nearly 60,000 students who had enrolled into the four-year programme last year.

However there would be no changes in the B Tech degree courses as it anyway requires four years to be completed.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)