Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: A high-level meeting convened by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Monday decided against offering four-year UG courses this academic year. The decision was taken after a majority of vice chancellors (VC) pointed out the practical difficulties in introducing four-year courses and stated that most varsities were unprepared for the move.
However, Kerala University (KU) Vice-Chancellor in-charge Dr Mohanan Kunnummal expressed willingness to start two or three four-year degree courses this academic year itself. He also stated that the university would be able to notify the identified courses within one month.
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The decision to convene a meeting with vice chancellors was taken by the chief minister following a rift between the higher education department and state higher education council over the introduction of four-year UG courses.
At the meeting, the chief minister explained about the government’s focus on the higher education sector and sought a speedy implementation of the reforms. He also proposed the setting up of constituent colleges in the state and added that the government will soon take a policy decision on launching private universities in the state.
Meanwhile, VCs of most varsities, including the Universities of Calicut, Kannur and Kalady, detailed the difficulties in implementing the reforms this year. However, they also mentioned that they would consider bringing about the reforms in possible courses at the university centres.
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