HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
 

Growth of the Higher Education System

7.1.1 At the beginning of the year 1993-94, the total student enrolment in universities and colleges was 48.05 lakh. This was 1.94 lakh more than the enrolment in the previous year. The enrolment in the university departments was 7.95 lakh and that in the affiliated colleges was 40.09 lakh.

7.1.2 Enrolment in the faculty of arts constituted 40.4 per cent of the total enrolment. In the faculties of science and commerce the percentage was 19.6 and 21.9 respectively. Enrolment at the first degree level was 42.33 lakh (88.1%); at the post-graduate level 4.56 lakh (9.5%) ; at the research level 0.53 lakh (1.1%) and at the diploma and certificate level 0.62 lakh (1.3%). The number of teachers increased to 2.78 lakh during the year. Of these, 0. 63 lakh were in the university departments/university colleges and the rest in the affiliated colleges. Of the 62716 teachers in the universities, 8029 were Professors, 16431 were Readers, 35748 were Lecturers and 2508 were Tutors/Demonstrators. In the affiliated colleges, the number of senior teachers was 29917, the number of Lecturers was 175846 and that of Tutors/Demonstrators was 9471.

7.1.3 Upto November 1993 the total number or universities in the country was 155 and the total number of institutions deemed to be universities was 34.

Higher Education among Women

7.1.4 The enrolment of women students at the beginning of the year 1993-94 was 15.90 lakh as against 15.12 lakh in the previous year. At the post-graduate level, the enrolment of women was 34.9 per cent of the total enrolment. The enrolment of women students was the highest in Kerala (53.3%) followed by Punjab (48.5%), Delhi (46.6%), Haryana (42.5%), Meghalaya/ Nagaland/Mizoram (39.3%), Tamil Nadu (38.8%) and West Bengal/ Tripura/Sikkim (38.7%). The enrolment of' women was the lowest in Bihar (16.1%).

Programmes and Activities of the Commission

7.1.5 Some of the major thrust areas pursued during the year were Autonomous Colleges, redesigning of courses, academic staff colleges for orientation of teachers, eligibility test for recruitment of lecturers, inter-university centres and consortiums, distance education, fellowships/scholarships, special assistance programme, COSIST, adult education and National Literacy Mission, education for the minorities, scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes, handicapped and women, spread of mass communication and educational technology network. Adventure sports in universities, training of college teachers in the use of computers, computer application at PG level,

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environment education, energy education etc. A review of UGC schemes and computerisation of UGC office was also taken up. A brief account of the efforts made by the Commission in respect of various schemes is given in the following paragraphs.

University Grants commission

Autonomous Colleges

7.2.1 The Commission continued its efforts to promote and encourage the concept of autonomy through its scheme of autonomous colleges. On the basis of the report of the review committee the Commission agreed to continue its assistance for the scheme in the Eighth Plan period. At present the total number of colleges which have been granted autonomous status is 107.

Re-designing of Courses

7.2.2 The scheme of restructuring under-graduate courses in general education was introduced by the UGC with a view to making the first degree courses more relevant to environment and to the developmental needs of the community and to link education with work/field/practical experience and productivity. Several universities and colleges have introduced these courses. Further, in order to provide an impetus to the programme of redesigning of courses, the UGC has got prepared curriculum development reports in various subjects in Sciences, Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences as well as in Library Science. These reports have been disseminated to the universities and academics. These reports include the review of the existing curricula with a view to modernise them and to develop and prepare new teaching and reading materials. The Commission has also constituted a core committee to develop vocational education in different subjects at the degree level. The basic objective is to develop vocational courses in such subjects/topics which have strong job potential (self or wage). Sub-groups in different disciplines worked out the details of the courses as well as infrastructural requirements and the programme is expected to be launched from the academic session 1994-95. Meanwhile, the Commission has continued its assistance to 314 colleges which have been implementing College Science Improvement Programme (COSIP). Similarly, 784 colleges have been receiving assistance in respect of College Humanities and Social Sciences Improvement Programme (COHSSIP) upto November, 1993. The schemes were reviewed during the year and revised guidelines have been framed.

Plan Grants to Universities

7.2.3 At present, 101 universities (excluding agricultural universities) are eligible to receive grants from the UGC. While the quantum of outlay for general development for each university is decided at the beginning of the plan period and is determined on the basis of the stage of development of that particular

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university. Grants for schemes are provided on the basis of recommendations of experts after scrutiny of such schemes. At the beginning of the year 1993-94, eligible universities were provided plan grants amounting to Rs.11,349 lakh.

Development of Colleges

7.2.4 VIIIth Plan grants to colleges are being given on the recommendations of expert committee and in consultation with college Principals and state representatives. At the beginning of the year 1993-94, grants amounting to Rs. 4839.72 lakh were paid to eligible colleges.

Improvement in Efficiency

7.2.5 The Commission has sanctioned computer facilities to 116 universities upto November, 1993. In addition, the Commission provided assistance to 1522 colleges upto this period for installing computer facilities. It is proposed to add about 100 colleges by 31.3.1994. Besides using these facilities for training and research, they can be used for maintenance of student records, accounts and other data required for administration and management. A scheme for training of teachers in the use of computer has also been launched in those colleges which have been assisted by the UGC for purchase of computers. 27 universities to which these colleges are affiliated were included under the scheme and entrusted. the task of imparting training to college teachers. Universities were also assisted to offer computer application as an additional paper in postgraduate courses.

Teacher-Recruitment, Training and Performance Evaluation

7.2.6 During the year, the Commission conducted the qualifying test for determining the eligibility for Lectureship and for award of Junior Research Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences. Similar test in science subjects was conducted jointly by the UGC and CSIR. Under the Academic Staff Orientation Scheme for orientation of newly recruited and inservice college and university lecturers, the Academic Staff Colleges identified by the Commission have so far organised 867 orientation programmes covering 24684 teachers. Similarly, 1225 refresher courses have so far been organised for in-service teachers covering 33748 teachers.

7.2.7 The Commission continues to provide assistance to 41 Centres of Advanced Study and 112 Departments of Special Assistance in Science, Engineering and Technology and 16 Centres of Advanced Study and 101 Departments of Special Assistance in Humanities and Social Sciences upto November, 1993. In addition, 44 Departmental Research Support Projects in science and 15 in Humanities and Social Sciences were under implementation upto November, 1993. The Commission also derecognised a number of

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departments as their performance was not found to be of the requisite standard as assessed by expert committees and upgraded/continued assistance to others.

7.2.8 One hundred and fifteen departments have been assisted under the Scheme of Strengthening Infrastructure in science and Technology Education and Research till November, 1993. Departments supported under COSIST have been given functional autonomy. The infrastructural facilities extended through COSIST support have improved teaching instructions at post graduate and research level and have enhanced the quality of teaching particularly experimental part of the courses. Revised guidelines for the schemes have also been circulated to universities to cover more departments. Grants to the tune of Rs. 338.00 lakh were released under the scheme during 1992-93.

7.2.9 The UGC programme on Superconductivity was launched in 1987 with the objective to develop education and research and develop activities in universities in the fast growing area of superconductivity.

7.2.10 The Commission was supporting 19 universities upto November, 1993 in both basic and applied areas.

7.2.11 These institutions have come up as Centres of excellence in their particular areas. The programme has generated a positive impact on the university system for collaborative approaches to R&D and educational activities.

7.2.12 Modern computer-based information/documentation centres have already been set up at Bangalore, Bombay and Baroda. These centres have improved the information accessibility to teachers and students and have provided necessary bibliographic support to them along with making available the latest documentation in the respective disciplines. In addition, the Commission has set up inter-university centres in different areas with the object of providing national research facilities within the university system. During the year, an Inter-university Consortium for Educational Communication was set up as a registered society to coordinate, streamline and strengthen the activities of various departments of Communication in the universities, the EMRCs and the AVRCs. The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla has also been functioning as an Inter University Centre for humanities and social sciences on behalf of the UGC. These Centres are in addition to the Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi, Inter University Centre in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Poona, Inter-University Consortium, Indore and Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University.

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7.2.13 The UGC has taken the initiative to utilise the time slot given for higher education and televising the TV programmes in higher education entitled "Countrywide Classroom". A perspective plan for the UGC INSAT Project has been formulated in which projections will be made for future INSAT time requirement in higher education. The commission is at present supporting 7 Educational Media Research Centres (EMRCs) at the University of Poona, Gujarat University (Ahmedabad), Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (Hyderabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Jodhpur University, Madurai Kamraj University and the St. Xavier College (Calcutta). Eight Audio-Visual Research Centres (AVRCs) at university of Roorkee, Osmania University, Anna University, Madras, Kashmir University, Srinagar, Manipur University, Imphal; Panjabi University, Devi Ahilya University and HS Gaur University are being supported for training of personnel and production of software. Six more media centres in different states are envisaged to be set up during the eighth plan period. Upto October, 1993, 3355 programmes were produced by different media centres. Sourcewise, nearly 85 per cent of the programmes telecast were Indian while the remaining were from foreign sources. In order to make distance learning more effective and bring best teachers in the country within the reach of all section of students including semi-urban and rural students, the Commission undertook a project to produce nonbroadcasting video lectures for under graduate students. For this, 15 subjects were selected and the video course material is ready in six subjects. A T.V. series comprising 13 episodes for the pre-schoolers has also been completed and shown on Doordarshan. These programmes are meant to sensitise preschoolers with alphabets, numbers, concepts on health care, sanitation, food, various geometric shapes and the like through the medium of songs, animation, puppetry etc.

7.2.14 The Commission is providing assistance to universities for promoting programmes of adult education and extension, eradication of illiteracy, continuing education, population education and planning forums. The position of the programmes approved upto November, 1993 is given below:

             1)   No. of Adult Education Centres               18978
                  through Universities & Colleges
        
             2)   Jan Sikshan Nilayams                          1836
        
             3)   Continuing Education Programmes               1830
                                          

7.2.15 The Commission reviewed the programme and formulated revised guidelines according to which universities are to take up literacy work as a time-bound "Total literacy Campaign" to eradicate illiteracy in a specific and accessible area.

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7.2.16 Apart from continuing assistance for the activities of the Population Education Clubs set up by the universities, it was also stressed upon the universities to utilise the Adult Education Centres and Jan Shikshan Nilayams for the spread of population education at the grass root level. In addition, Population Education Resource Centres (PERCs) and working groups have been set up under the UNFPA- UGC project to provide support services to population education programmes run by universities/colleges in specified areas in terms of development of curricula, training of PERC staff and teachers and extension activities in the community. Some universities have included population education as a foundation course at the undergraduate level under the scheme of Restructuring of Courses. The Commission assigned the task of evaluation of this programme to the Educational Consultants India Ltd. (Ed.CIL). The evaluation team observed that although the project had created some impact on the higher education System much was still left to be achieved. It recommended continuation of the project for another term.

7.2.17 For the development of research in universities and colleges, the Commission provides assistance for award of Junior research fellowships in various subjects. These fellowships are awarded only to those research scholars who have qualified in national level tests conducted by the UGC, CSIR, GATE etc. Tests conducted at all-India level in some selected subjects by JNU and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore have been accredited as equivalent to national tests for this purpose.

7.2.18 Teachers of outstanding eminence are awarded national fellowships for a specified period to devote themselves exclusively to research and writing. Similarly, under the scheme of Research Scientists, 200 positions have been created in the grades of Lecturers, Readers and Professors in order to provide opportunities to those who wish to pursue research as a career. Selections under this scheme are made directly by the Commission. The Commission has reviewed the work of the Research Scientists of all the categories A,B and C. on the recommendations of the Review Committee, the Commission decided to continue the scheme in a modified form.

7.2.19 Under the scheme of Visiting Professors/Fellows, assistance is provided to universities for the appointment of Visiting Professors/Fellows. During the year, the Commission continued the scheme of "Visiting Faculty" in the universities so as to provide teaching/research assignments outside Kashmir to the teachers from Kashmir university and its affiliated colleges due to disturbed conditions there.

7.2.20 Coaching classes for competitive examinations for weaker sections amongst minority communities. The Commission continued to provide assistance to identified centres (universities and colleges) for organising coaching classes for

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competitive examinations for weaker sections among the minority communities. As stated in the Programme of Action (New Education Policy, 1986) Muslims and Neo-Buddhists are educationally backward minorities. Under the scheme, selected universities/ colleges organise appropriate coaching classes to prepare persons belonging to educationally backward minority communities to enable them to compete in various competitive examinations for :

a) recruitment to services under the Central and State Government's Public and Private Undertakings, Banks etc.

b) admission to Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Management courses etc., and

c) acquire proficiency in typing, short-hand and secretarial courses etc.

Upto November, 1993 the scheme was in operation in 20 universities and 33 colleges.

7.2.21 The Commission, while reviewing the scheme during the year, observed that the results obtained were not commensurate with inputs. Therefore, the scheme has been revamped during the year. The revamped scheme lays down, interalia, that coaching for posts other than civil services posts will continue to be conducted by the existing universities and colleges, but civil services candidates will be coached through reputed private coaching institution.

7.2.22 The projections upto 31st March, 1994 are to sanction one centre in a university and 40 centres in colleges.

7.2.23 In addition to the Junior Research Fellowships reserved for scheduled castes/scheduled tribes out of the total number of such fellowships instituted in various universities, the commission is directly awarding every year 50 fellowships for scheduled castes and scheduled tribe. Similarly, the Commission has reserved 40 Research Associateships for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. In order to provide opportunities to teachers in affiliated colleges belonging to scheduled castes/scheduled tribes for improving their qualifications by doing M.Phil/Ph.D, the Commission has instituted 50 teacher fellowships every year.

7.2.24 The Commission has been providing financial assistance to universities for undertaking well-defined projects for research in women's studies and also for the development of curriculum at the under-graduate and postgraduate levels and relevant extension activities.

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7.2.25 The Commission has also created 40 positions of parttime research associateships for women candidates in science and humanities including social sciences and engineering and technology. 21 research projects relating to the themes of women's studies were approved for assistance upto November, 1993. Also, the Standing Committee on Women's studies, after examining various proposals, recommended assistance to 22 universities and 11 colleges/university departments for setting up women's studies centres and cells respectively.

7.2.26 The Commission took the initiative to prepare a project for the modernisation of Libraries and Information centres in the country, with the application of computer and communication technologies during the Eighth Five Year Plan. The project, titled INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) is to be computer-communication network for linking libraries and information centres in universities, deemed to be universities, institutions of national importance, UGC Information Centres, R&D institutions and colleges so that they could optimally utilise their resources.

7.2.27 The basic philosophy of INFLIBNET is to evolve an effective information transfer mechanism. The thrust of the plan is to improve the information flow from the information-rich to the information-poor institutions-poorer because of geographic location and/or resources. INFLIBNET has been functioning in project made through Inter- University Centre for Astronomy and Astro Physics, Pune and its office has been set up at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.

7.2.28 The Commission constituted three groups to develop textual material for general environmental education, engineering and technical component of environment and enrichment and public awareness programme. It is envisaged that a book of 100-150 pages on environment related issues will be prepared at the earliest and circulated to universities. it is proposed to make environment education a compulsory course as part of the foundation course at the undergraduate level. The EMRCs/AVRCs have produced programmes on Environment and more than 100 episodes have been telecast on national network. It is also planned to broadcast capsules of 2-3 minutes on environment issues everyday before the telecast of UGC programmes. The Commission has approved seminars/workshops on environmental issues in seven universities, out of which one university organised the workshop in 1993, to generate public awareness on preservation of environment and also agreed to support research projects on environment. The Commission has also approved the proposal of Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action for organising 10 to 15 workshops at national level through IUCEC, New Delhi.

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7.2.29 Curriculum for a one-year course after graduation and two years for post-graduation in energy education has been prepared by an expert group constituted by the Commission. A few universities having potential in this area were also selected to operate the programme. M.Tech. programme in Energy Management is already in operation at Devi Ahilya University, Indore and more universities like Poona, Srivenkateswara, Madurai Kamaraj, Jadavpur and Banaras Hindu have been recommended for support by the expert group.

Indira Gandhi National Open University

7.3.1 The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established by an Act of Parliament in September, 1985 for the introduction and promotion of Open University and Distance Education Systems in the educational pattern of the country for the coordination and determination of standards in such systems. The major objectives of the university include widening of access to higher education by providing opportunities to larger segments of the population, particularly the disadvantaged groups, organising programmes of continuing education and initiating special programmes of higher education for specific target groups like women, people living in backward regions, hilly areas, etc.

7.3.2 The IGNOU provides an innovative system of university level education, flexible and open in regard to methods and pace of learning, combination of courses, eligibility for enrolment, age of entry, methods of evaluation, etc.

7.3.3 The university has adopted an integrated multi-media instructional strategy consisting of printed materials and audio-video aids, supported by counselling sessions at a network of study centres throughout the country. The evaluation system followed by the university consists of both continuous evaluation system as well as term-end examinations.

7.3.4 During the year 1993-94, the following programmes were on offers :

Certificate Programmes

1. Certificate in Rural Development (English)

2. Certificate in Food & Nutrition (in English, Hindi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi and Tamil)

3. Guidance for Primary School Teacher (English)

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Diploma Programmes

1. Creative writing in English (English)

2. Creative Writing in Hindi (Hindi)

3. Computers in Office Management (English)

4. Distance Education (English)

5. Higher Education (English)

6. Rural Development (English & Hindi)

7. Management (English)

8. Advanced Diploma in Management (English)

9. Human Resources Management (English)

10. Marketing Management (English)

11. Financial Management (English)

12. Operations Management (English)

Bachelor's Degree Programmes

1. B.A in Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, History, Sociology (in English and Hindi)

2. B.A. (English) and B.A. (Hindi)

3. B.Com. (in English and Hindi)

4. B.Sc. (in English and Hindi)

5. Bachelor's Degree in Library Science (English)

Master's Degree

1. Master's degree in Business Administration (English)

2. Master's degree in Distance Education (English)

7.3.5 The university has so far published 1566 volumes of course material and has produced over 564 audio programmes and 415 video programmes.

7.3.6 The total number of students registered for various programmes of study in the IGNOU during 1993-94 is likely to be over 80,000. With this, aggregate enrolment of students in the University is likely to be 2.30 lakh. 5,370 students have so far successfully completed their programmes of study.

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7.3.7 The IGNOU has so far recruited nearly 200 teachers and other academic staff and about 900 technical, professional, administrative and supporting staff. In addition, the university is utilising the services of nearly 608 coordinators, and assistant coordinators and over 10140 Academic Councellors on part-time basis.

7.3.8 The university has established an extensive student support services network consisting of 16 regional centres and 220 study centres situated in different parts of the country. A study centre of IGNOU provides the following services:-

- Advice, counselling and information;

- Library facilities;

- Audio-video facilities;

- Receives all student assignments and makes arrangements for their evaluation.

7.3.9 In addition to performing the functions of a national open university, IGNOU is also an apex body charged with the responsibility for the coordination and determination of standards in distance education in the country. In fulfilment of this responsibility, on the recommendations of the distance education council, development grants were sanctioned to three state open universities during 1992- 93; Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad (Rs.23.20 lakh); Yashwantrao Chawan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik (Rs.21.60 lakh); and Kota open University, Kota (Rs.3.00 lakh). All these open universities were requested to submit their eighth plan proposals for consideration by the DEC. The proposals received from the BRADU and the YCMOU have been assessed, the DEC has recommended an interim grant of Rs.25-30 lakh to each of them during 1993-94. The detailed proposals from the Kota Open University is under consideration :-

7.3.10 The other major activities of the council are as under:-

i. The development of a common data base for all open universities with a view to establish a net work.

ii. The establishment of a common student evaluation system and grading pattern with a view to encourage student mobility and transfer of credits between open universities.

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iii. The launching of a project with the assistance of the Commonwealth of Learning to assure the quality of programmes and courses offered by the open universities and their validation.

7.3.11 The IGNOU has established in August 1993 a training Institute known as Staff Training and Research Institute in Distance Education (STRIDE). The Institute will cater to the training needs in the areas of curriculum planning and development, instructional design and course preparation, use of multi-media learning packages, modern communication technologies, organisation of student support services, etc. The Commonwealth of Learning has committed financial support for its development for a three year period beginning from 1993-94 with an annual grant of Canadian dollars 50,000/-.

7.3.12 In October 1993, the University conducted a 10-day teleconferencing experiment in collaboration with the ISRD. The main objective of the experiment was to study the feasibility of satellite- based communication for the delivery of the University's programmes to a large number of students dispersed all over the country. In the experiment, besides the IGNOU headquarters, 10 of its Regional Centres participated. The experiment involved one-way video and two-way audio conferencing in which students registered in one programme offered by the University, the academic counsellors engaged in another set of programmes and the functionaries at the Regional Centres who are responsible for the delivery of the programmes participated. The experiment was successful. However, a detailed evaluation of its technical, managerial and economic implications is still in progress.

7.3.13 With the assistance provided by the Commonwealth of learning, the University has installed an audio conferencing facility linking the headquarters of the University with all its Regional Centres and also the State Open Universities. The facility has become functional.

7.3.14 The Commonwealth of Learning, based on the report of an Evaluation Committee appointed by it, conferred the distinction of Centre of Excellence in Distance Education on IGNOU in May, 1993.

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7.3.15 The major developments during the year in international cooperation were:-

i) The Govt. of Japan has agreed to assist the University in the development of modern educational media facilities. Under its grant-aid scheme, the Govt. of Japan will set up in the IGNOU campus two video studios and two audio studies fully equipped with all modern facilities. The building to house the studios will also be constructed by them. The construction work will start in early 1994.

ii) The Commonwealth of Learning has instituted a scheme of 100 Fellowships known as the Rajiv Gandhi Fellowships for students from Bangaladesh, Maladives, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zimbamwe, Guyana and Zambia enrolling in the post-graduate programmes offered by the University. The scheme will be implemented in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

iii) The Commonwealth of Learning has launched a major project for developing a programme in Management and Leadership in which the IGNOU alongwith the Universities of Nairobi, Massey, Victoria and Papua New Guinea are involved.

7.3.16 The 30 minutes telecast at IGNOU's programmes by Doordarshan which commenced in May, 1991 continued during the year 1993-94. The Doordarshan has been telecasting the programmes every day on its enrichment channel from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. since August, 1993.

7.3.17 The University held its 4th Convocation in May, 1993 when Diplomas and Degrees were awarded to 4444 students. Lord Briggs of Lewes, a noted historian and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth of Learning was the Chief Guest who delivered the Convocation address. On this occasion, the University also conferred the degree of D. Litt., Honoris Causa, on Prof. G. Ram Reddy, Chairman University Grants Commission..pa

Central Universities

7.4.1 The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), established in 1921 is one of the premier Central Universities. The University is known for its residential character. The University has on its roll a total of 17,200 students including those in its schools.

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7.4.2 The AMU has 10 Faculties with 76 Departments. The University has four important Colleges including Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Zakir Hussain College of Engineering.

7.4.3 The University has a faculty strength of 1,209. The strength of non-teaching staff is 5,159.

7.4.4 The All India Council for Technical Education on the recommendation of the Expert Committee, has approved the introduction of following new Courses:

a) P.G. Course in Environmental Engineering;

b) P.G. Course in Electronics Circuits and System Design in the Department of Electrical Engineering;

7.4.5 The Council also approved the establishment of following Deptts in AMU:

a) Department of Architecture; and

b) Department of Computer Engineering.

7.4.6 As required under the guidelines of Medical Council of India, the Department of Radiology was bifurcated into two separate Departments, namely, Department of Radio Diagnosis and Department of Radio-Therapy.

7.4.7 Under the Scheme of Development and Strengthening of Agriculture Education in Central Universities during the VIII Plan, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), approved an allocation of Rs.2.60 crores. The University has initiated steps to implement the programme by starting the following two master level courses:

1) Plant Protection; and

2) Agriculture Economics and Business Management.

7.4.8 The Ministry of Commerce approved the support for the establishment of Centre for the Study of Foreign Trade. The Centre would offer:

a) A Master's level Course in International Trade; and

b) A P.G. Diploma in International Trade.

7.4.9 During the year many major construction activities were initiated/completed by AMU. The UGC has approved Rs. 25.00 lakh towards the construction of an extension of Library of J.N. Medical College, AMU.

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7.4.10 The Maulana Azad Library has got holdings of about 8,00,000 volumes and about 14,600 manuscripts in different languages.

7.4.11 A number of national conferences/seminars/symposium were organised by AMU in which scholars/delegates from different parts of the country participated.

7.4.12 The University's non-plan expenditure during the current year has been estimated at Rs.6049.00 lakh as against the actual expenditure of Rs. 4664.08 lakh during the previous year.

7.4.13 Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was established in 1916 as a teaching and residential University. It consists of 3 institutes, namely, the Institute of Medical Sciences having under its umbrella, the Faculty of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda with 750-bedded hospital for modern medicine and 125 Ayurveda beds apart from the Special Ward; the Institute of Technology and Institute of Agricultural Sciences. There are in all 14 Faculties and 114 academic departments. The University also maintains a Constituent Mahila Mahavidyalaya and 3 school level institutions. 4 colleges in the city are admitted to its privileges. The University has approximately 13,500 students on its rolls. The strength of its teaching and non-teaching staff is 1290 and 6902 respectively.

7.4.14 A team of research workers belonging to the Institute of Medical Sciences discovered a new herbal alkaloid as Anti Cancer Drug. The team headed by the Head, Department of Shalya Shalakya found the alkalcid "Prieureanin" extracted from the bark of "Ammora Rohit Ika" tree which is very effective for the treatment of breast Cancer. This drug has been successfully tested in C.N.R.S C.S.N. Institute, France.

7.4.15 Shri K.C. Pant, Chairman, Finance commission, Govt. of India delivered a lecture on "Quit India Movement; Eastern Region" on 4.4.1993. Dr. K. Satchidanand Murty, Hony. Professor of the University delivered two lectures on "Philosophy, Religion and Spiritual Sadhana" on 5.4.1993 and 6.4.1993 and Shri Kireet Joshi a renowned Philosopher and Psychologist delivered two lectures on "Veda and Indian Science of Yoga" on 14.4.1993 and 15.4.1993" in the Mahamahopadhyay Gopinath Kaviraj Memorial Lecture Series.

7.4.16 A number of faculty members and students of the University gained distinctions by their selection as Fellows of Academics/International bodies and also won numerous awards and prizes. Seven retired teachers of the University wee felicitated by the University on the occasion of the Teacher's Day i.e. 5th September, 1993.

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7.4.17 The University Employment Information and Guidance Bureau organised a Career Guidance fortnight from 16.10.93 to 30.10.93 in order to given wide publicity to the Vocational Guidance and Career Counseling Service of the bureau to students educated job seekers, teachers and the public.

7.4.18 University Grants Commission approved Manpower Training Programme in Computer Science & Technology for starting 3 years' Master of Computer Application Programme (MCA) with additional Faculty of one Professor, one Reader and one Lecturer and a grant of Rs.1.00 lakh for Guest Faculty. University Grants Commission also approved financial assistance for a period of five years for a B.Ed. course in Special Education to teachers for teaching handicapped Children.

7.4.19 The University won the U.P. Inter University Swimming (Men) and U.P. Inter University Kho-Kho (Women) Championships. The University was also runner-up in U.P. Inter University Basket Ball (Men) Tournament, U.P. Inter University Basket Ball (Women) Tournament, U.P. Inter University Badminton (Men) Tournament and East Zone Foot Ball (Men) Tournament.

7.4.20 The anticipated maintenance expenditure of the University for the year 1993-94 is Rs. 64.84 crores as against an expenditure of Rs. 56.98 crores during 1992-93.

7.4.21 The University of Delhi was established by an Act of Parliament in 1922 as a teaching and affiliating University. At present, 73 colleges/institutions are affiliated to the University, including Sherubtse College in Bhutan. The University has 14 faculties and 81 academic departments situated in the North and South Campuses.

7.4.22 The Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board and the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education provide opportunities for part-time and correspondence education. The University also enrolls external (private) students.

7.4.23 During the year 1993-94, the total strength of students in the University was approximately 1,94,500. Out of this, 1,15,470 were regular students in various colleges, faculties and departments of the University, 13,200 were enrolled with the NonCollegiate Women's Education Board, 55,450 with the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education and 10,380 with the External Candidates Cell (private students).

7.4.24 During the year 1993-94, the University has accepted the proposal to open a new women's college at Village kair near Najafgarh for affiliation to the University. Besides, 5 new courses at different levels were introduced in various faculties during the year.

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7.4.25 The faculty of the University has a strength of 748, which comprises of 271 Professors, 292 Readers, 169 Lecturers and 16 Research Associates.

7.4.26 The faculty of the University received various prestigious awards and distinctions during the year including Parishad Samman of Sahitya Kala Parishad, Bharati Mishra Award of Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, Folk Art Award of Indian Cultural Association, Scroll of Honor of Delhi Medical Association, Membership of Sahitya Academy's Advisory Board and Membership of the New York Academy of Science.

7.4.27 The maintenance expenditure of the University for the year 1993-94 is estimated at Rs.3877.97 lakh against the expenditure of Rs. 3205.56 lakh during the year 1992-93.

7.4.28 The University of Hyderabad was established by an Act of Parliament in 1974. It has specialised in post-graduate and research studies. During the year 1993-94, 837 students were admitted to the University on the basis of their performance in the entrance test conducted at 11 different locations in the country. The students enrolment in 1993-94 was 1985 which included 280 SCs, 42 STs and 33 Physically Handicapped candidates. The number of women students on roll was 830 which was about 42% of the total.

7.4.29 The University had a faculty strength of 79 professors, 72 readers and 82 lecturers during the year under report. The number of non-teaching staff was 1064.

7.4.30 The faculty of the University received various prestigious awards and distinctions during the year including G.D. Birla Award for Scientific Research, INSA Fellowship and P.B. Rama Rao Memorial Award of the Society of Biological Chemists (India).

7.4.31 Financial assistance to students of the University was provided through 53 merit-scholarships, 179 merit-cum-means scholarships, 29 scholarships to MCA students and 19 scholarships for M.Tech students. The number of Junior Research Fellowships awarded to research scholars by the CSIR and the UGC was 78 and 195 respectively. The total number of research projects funded by UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DST, ICAR, etc. during the year was 70.

7.4.32 Fifth Convocation of the University was held on 22nd April, 1993 at which the President of India delivered the convocation address. At the five convocations held by the University so far, 4869 students have been awarded degrees of the University including 257 Ph.Ds, 1201 M.Phil and 237 M.Tech degrees.

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7.4.33 During the year the Executive Council met five times and the Academic Council twice. The Annual meeting of the court was held in November, 1993.

7.4.34 Several developmental activities were undertaken during the year to strengthen infrastructural facilities on the university campus. A hostel-building for 300 research scholars at a total cost of Rs.130.00 lakh has been completed and inaugurated. Besides, several school buildings are being expanded to create more space for growing activities of teaching and research.

7.4.35 The non-plan expenditure of the University during 1993-94 has been estimated at Rs.1059.00 lakh against an expenditure of Rs.908.00 lakh during 1992-93.

7.4.36 The North Eastern Hill University was established by an Act of Parliament in 1973. Its jurisdiction extends to the three States of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. The headquarters of the University is at Shillong.

7.4.37 The University has an enrolment of 44,700 students in various courses and programmes, with approximately 350 faculty members and 2000 non-teaching staff.

7.4.38 The university has organised several conferences/seminars and workshops including the IV Annual Conference of Indian Institute of Geomorphologist from 30th April to 2nd May, 1992.

7.4.39 The Campus Development Department of the University has concentrated its efforts on building and developing the permanent campus. Construction of 49 staff quarters and 170 seated student hostel have been completed in Phase-I. Under Phase II construction of 400 seated hostel and 29 staff quarters have also been completed. Construction of 6 staff quarters and VC's residence, external electrification of entire Shillong permanent campus with an approved estimated cost of Rs. 1,62,72,000/- is nearing completion Construction of Seminar Hall, Guest House, Lecture Hall Complex, School of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, USIC and RSIC Buildings, except ancillary work such as for seating, heating, electrification etc. have also been completed. The Campus Development Department has undertaken the construction of Sport Complex at an estimated cost of Rs. 64,58,000/-.

7.4.40 A project of the construction of a Building Complex at Tonhril, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,39,27,536/- has been technically cleared by North Eastern Council and is under consideration of UGC.

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7.4.41 A plan for construction of buildings and roads has been cleared by NEC and an amount of Rs.1,25,00,000/- for this has been approved.

7.4.42 Pondicherry University was established by an Act of Parliament in October, 1985 as a teaching cum affiliating university. The jurisdiction of the university extends to the union territory of Pondicherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

7.4.43 At present, the University has two Directorates, six schools, 15 departments and 7 centres. The university has 19 affiliated institutions of which twelve are located in Pondicherry, two in Karaikal, one each in Mahe and Yanam and three in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The university offers two certificate, three PG Diploma and eighteen post-graduate courses, sixteen M.Phil and nineteen doctoral programmes.

7.4.44 The student enrolment in the university is 826. The University has a faculty of 26 professors, 44 readers and 59 lecturers. It has a non-teaching strength of 546 employees.

7.4.45 An innovative credit based P.G. programme has been introduced since 1992-93, which attracted students from all over the country.

7.4.46 The construction of hostels and botanical garden will be completed shortly. The work regarding animal house has been completed. The construction work for science and humanities blocks and staff quarters will be taken up by CPWD in January, 1994.

7.4.47 The Pondicherry University entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with University of Ottawa, Canada and University of Paris X Nanterre, France in addition to three Memoranda of Understanding already entered with Indira Gandhi National Open University, Pierre Et. Maria Curia University (Paris) and the University of La Re-Union (France).

7.4.48 The 67th Annual Meeting of the AIU and UGC's All India Conference of Vice Chancellors was held on 21-23 February, 1993. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, his Excellency Shri Bhishma Narain Singh inaugurated the conference. Prof. G. Ram Reddy, Chairman, UGC; Dr. M.S. Valiathan, President of AIU; Prof. K.B. Powar, General Secretary, AIU, other distinguished guests and 120 Vice-Chancellors participated in the conference. The central theme of which was "Financing of Higher Education of the University".

7.4.49 The fourth convocation was held on 12.6.1993. The Vice- President of India delivered the Convocation Address and conferred degrees on 1825 candidates. The Convocation of the

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University for the year 1993-94 will be held in January/February, 1994.

7.4.50 The maintenance expenditure for the year 1993-94 is Rs.583.85 lakh as against the expenditure of Rs.358.19 lakh during the year 1992-93. The UGC has approved Rs. 10.16 crores for VIII Plan period and so far a sum of Rs. 451.60 lakh has been released.

7.4.51 In connection with the implementation of the policy statement in Abatement of Pollution the university has established an Advanced Centre for Pollution Control and the Biowaste Energy. The Centre has taken up several studies of critically polluted areas. The ongoing studies to experimentally evaluate the appropriateness of existing water quality standards and to evolve criteria for setting up new standards, were continued. The centre has become a leading institution in the frontier R&D Area of Computers Aided Environmental Management. (CAEM).

7.4.52 Visva Bharati an educational institution established by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was incorporated as a Central University by Visva-Bharati Act 1951.

7.4.53 The students strength of the university was 5,226 as on 31.3.1993. The number of teaching and non-teaching staff was 464 and 1607 respectively.

7.4.54 The Visva-Bharati Samavartan Utsava (Convocation) was held on May 5, 1993 which was attended by Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister of India who is also the Acharya of Visva-Bharati. The Acharya conferred the Degree of Desikottama the highest award of the University on Sri Alex Aronson, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Shri Kaifi Azmi, Dr. Raja Ramanna and Sri Subsas Mukhopadhyay. Prof. Chintamani Kar was awarded Gagan Abani Puraskar for the year 1990 and the Rathindra Puraskar was awarded to Prof. Satish Dhawan.

7.4.55 Visva-Bharati made a serious endeavour to improve the financial position of the University in the financial year. The French Government extended support to a teaching position in French language. Under CEP, a Visiting Professor in Chinese Language joined Cheena Bhawana and Japanese ex-students from Japan came up with a substantial foreign exchange to establish the Nippon Bhawana a centre for Japanese studies.

7.4.56 The new areas of teaching introduced by Visva- Bharati included Post-Graduate diploma in Computer Application and M.Fine/Post Diploma in Design (Textile Ceramics) Courses.

7.4.57 The Institute of Science contributed to research in Atomic Energy, Environmental Pollution including immunization of plants and herbicides against certain epidemics.

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7.4.58 The Institute of Rural reconstruction carried out a successful mass literacy campaign.

7.4.59 The university undertook a number of comprehensive projects for the abatement of pollution.

7.4.60 The University organised a number of exhibitions and seminars including a national seminar on "Fuzzy Mathematics and Information Science" Jointly with financial support from National Board of higher Mathematics.

7.4.61 The library of the University, has a collection of 3,30,113 Books and 4,082 Journals. In addition, the University has a total of 2,62,354 books housed at 12 sectional libraries.

7.4.62 The anticipated maintenance expenditure of the University for the year 1993-94 is Rs. 1405.00 lakh as against Rs. 1320.00 lakh during 1992-93.

Establishment of New Central Universities

7.5.1 Legislation for establishment of a teaching and affiliating university in Assam at Silchar was enacted in May, 1989. Now the site for the University has been finalized in consultation with the State Government and the State Government have been requested for infrastructural development of the site. The OSD/Registrar and Vice- Chancellor of the University have been appointed.

7.5.2 Tezpur University Bill, 1993 was passed by Rajya Sabha on 29.4.1993 and by Lok Sabha on 11.5.1993. The Bill was assented to by the President on 01-07 1993. The site for the University has been approved and the OSD/Registrar and Vice-Chancellor of the University have been appointed. UGC has advised the Ed.CIL to undertake a study to suggest a short-term and long-term profile for each of the two proposed Universities in Assam.

7.5.3 Legislation for establishment of a teaching and affiliating University in Nagaland was enacted in October, 1989. The recommendations of the Site Selection Committee have been approved by the Government. The appointment of the OSD for the University has been notified. The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the University would be made soon.

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Specialised Research organisations

7.6.1 The Indian Council of Social Science Research was established in 1969 as an autonomous organization to promote and coordinate social science research in the country.

7.6.2 During the year 1993-94, the Council continued to assist research institutes of all India character engaged in research in the field of social sciences. Two new research institutes viz. Baba Saheb Ambedkar National Institute of Social Sciences, Mhow and Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social science, Ujjain, were brought under the purview of the scheme of grant-in aid for research institutes.

7.6.3 The Council sanctioned research grants to 25 new research projects till December 1993. Final reports in respect of 36 research projects sanctioned earlier were received. A number of sponsored programmes on topics like; Tribal Studies, Health for All and Women's Studies are in progress.

7.6.4 Survey of research in various disciplines is in progress. The Council awarded one Senior Fellowship, partial financial assistance to 18 Ph.D. scholars and contingency grant to 2 Ph.D. scholars.

7.6.5 Under the scheme of publication grants. 16 doctoral theses and 2 research reports were approved for financial assistance. Twenty three books were published under the publication grant scheme. Ten issues of Journals in different disciplines, four issues of Research Abstracts (Quarterly), and four issue of Indian Tournal of Social Science were published.

7.6.6 During the year, the Data Archives acquired 4 data sets for Repository. Twenty scholars were provided research guidance under the scheme of Guidance and Consultancy Services in Data processing. A two week Training Course on Computer Applications in Social Science Data Analysis was conducted at the A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna. The up-dation of the National Register of Social Scientists in India is in progress. The register now contains information about 4500 scholars in the form of computerised data base.

7.6.7 Under the Cultural Exchange Programme, 11 Indian scholars visited France, China, Kazakhastan and Turkey and one scholar from France and 2 scholars from China visited India.

7.6.8 10 scholars were granted partial financial assistance to participate in the seminars/conferences abroad. Under the Indo-Dutch Alternatives Development Programme, two Indian scholars visited Holland and one Dutch scholar visited India.

7.6.9 The Council Provided financial assistance for holding 10 seminars/conferences.

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7.6.10 The National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC) acquired 2500 publications including books theses and research reports. About 2500 journals and 25 daily newspapers are being currently received in the library against subscription and exchange and on gratis basis.

7.6.11 Under NASSDOC major documentation project "Retrospective Indexing of Indian Social Science Journals", editing of the indexed data related to Indian Political Science and Economics Journals was in progress. The other two documentation programmes in progress were Union Catalogue of Social Science Periodicals and Indexing of Indian Periodicals: Geography, History and Allied Disciplines.

7.6.12 The National Policy on Education 1986 stated: "The new pattern of Rural University will be consolidated and developed on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi's revolutionary ideas on education so as to take up the challenges of micro-planning at grass roots level for the transformation of rural areas. Institutions and programmes of Gandhian basis education will be supported".

7.6.13 This Policy has been reiterated in 1992, which implies that educational institutions and voluntary agencies which take up educational programmes based on the concept of correlation between socially useful productive work, social service and academic study will be encouraged.

7.6.14 The Scheme on Rural Universities/Institutes could not be implemented during VII Plan period, as it was deferred to VIII Plan on the advice of the Ministry of Finance. However, the Programme of Action presented to the Parliament has unequivocally stated that the Central Council of Rural Institutes is to be set up shortly.

7.6.15 Total expenditure visualised during the VIII plan is Rs.6.35 crores. It is proposed to take up the establishment of Central Council of Rural Institutes and related activities now.

7.6.16 The Indian Council of Philosophical Research was set up with the following main objectives.

- to promote teaching and research in philosophy;

- to review the progress of research in Philosophy from time to time and to coordinate research activities in philosophy; and

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- to provide financial assistance to institutions/organisations and individuals engaged in research in philosophy and allied disciplines.

7.6.17 In order to achieve its aims and objects the Council awards fellowships, organises seminars, conferences, workshops and refresher courses; provides financial support to organise seminars/workshops, provides travel grant to scholars to present their papers at conferences/seminars abroad; and brings out publications and a tri- annual journal. The journal provides a forum for dialogue between diverse philosophical traditions, both Indian and Western, and also provides a place for new styles of philosophical thinking emerging amongst philosophers anywhere in the world.

7.6.18 During 1993-94, the Council awarded one National fellowship, two Senior Fellowship, five General Fellowship, one Fellowship for Preparing Learning Material, nine Junior Fellowship and one Residential Fellowship. In addition, the fellows, who were awarded fellowship by the Council during 1991-92, and 1992-93 are continuing in their fellowship either part of the year or throughout the year.

7.6.19 During the year under report the Council organised regional seminars by extending full financial support at various universities as follows:

i) Regional Seminar on "Spirituality and Science" during May 10-12, 1993 at Jain Visva Bharati Institute, Ladnun,

ii) Regional Seminar on "Meaning and Communication in Art" during August 3-5, 1993 at Manipur University.

iii) Regional Seminar on "Vedanta of Swami Vivekananda" organised at Guwahati University during December, 1993.

7.6.20 The Council organised an Essay-Competition-cum-young Scholars seminar on the theme "Philosophical Foundations of Indian Culture" at University of Kerala, during April, 1993. Thirty-one scholars all over the country participated in the Seminar.

7.6.21 Under grant-in-aid scheme for organising seminars/conferences, the Council extended financial support to H.N. Bahuguna University, Garhwal, Darshan O' Samaj Calcutta, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapeeth, Madras, Sampoornand Sanskrit University, Varanasi; and Calicut University, Kerela. In collaboration with Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, the Council organised a workshop on the "Translations of Philosophical Classics into Sanskrit" during August, 1993.

7.6.22 Under programme "New Schemes", the council organised a book review meet on the book "INDUCTION, PROBABILITY AND CEPTICISM" edited by Prof. D.P. Chattopadhyaya in May, 1993. The

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Council published 3 books apart from 2 issues of JICPR. One more issue of JICPR and 5 more publications are expected to be brought out during the current financial year.

7.6.23 Under the programme Academic Linkages, the Council deputed a 5 member delegation to represent India at the XIX World Congress of Philosophy during August, 1993. The delegation also attended World Congress of universalism held in Warsaw, Poland. The Council also extended financial support by providing travel grant and registration fee as per norms to 5 scholars for Presenting their papers in the above congress.

7.6.24 Under the Project entitled, "ICPR Series in Classical Indian Philosophy" and "ICPR" Series on Indian Philosophical Classics in Translation". Prof. R. Balasubramanian and Prof. Bhattacharyya continued to work on preparation of the first (Visistadvaita) volume of Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophy and Gangesa's Theory of Indeterminate Perception and there is considerable progress in their work.

7.6.25 Apart from the other on-going projects, the Council continued to provide financial and academic Support to the major project on the History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture (PHISPC). Five occasional papers have been brought out during the year 1993-94, and nine more are proposed to be published shortly. The 'Over-view' Volume containing detailed outlines on selected topics and broad methodology followed for preparation of individual volumes is likely to be brought out by March, 1994. A Inter-Ministerial meeting was held on August 1993 to consider the question of providing financial support to the Project.

7.6.26 The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), set up in 1972 as an autonomous organisation to promote the objective of research in and writing of history, to sponsor research projects and to inculcate an informal appreciation of the country's national and cultural heritage.

7.6.27 The Council has been pursuing the objective by funding research in different areas of history including history of socioeconomic formation, art, literature, numismatics science and technology, epigraphy and archaeology. During the period under report, the Council sanctioned 14 research projects, 78 fellowships, 39 study-cum-travel grants to scholars. Publication subsidies were awarded to 49 research theses, monographs and journals. 63 professional organisations of historians such as Indian History Congress, South Indian History Congress, Punjab History Congress, Orissa History Congress, Numismatic Society of India, etc. have been sanctioned grants to enable them to hold the conferences and to organise seminars and symposia. Three eminent historians were granted national fellowship.

7.6.28 Under its publication programme, the Council brought out Volumes XVI and XVII of the Indian Historical Review. 7

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other books including Waqiat-e-Mushtaqui, Dhakiratul Khawainin, Indian Numismatics and Catalogue of Persian Manuscripts and Records in Shri Raghubir Library, Sitamau. More than 25 titles were published under the publication subsidy programme of the council.

7.6.29 The Council's major project on the 'Dictionary of Social and Economic and Administrative Terms in Indian/South Asian Inscriptions has made good progress during the period. Another project on 'Economic History of India during the British Rule' has been undertaken by the Council. 4 Volumes of documents pertaining to Towards Freedom Project have been submitted to the General Editor.

7.6.30 The Council organised two workshops at Ajmer and Kurukshetra on "Indian National Movement" and two workshops on "Akbar and His Age" at Jaipur and Varanasi as part of the celebrations of 450th Birth Anniversary of Akbar.

7.6.31 More than 794 titles covering various branches of history and allied subjects have been added to the Library-cum-Documentation Centre. Xerox and micro-printer facilities continue to be provided to scholars. In order to have a broader and more meaningful participation of Indian archaeologists and historians in the World Archaeological Congress-3 to be held in New Delhi in 1994, a subsidy of registration fee of upto 100 Indian scholars has been approved by the Council.

Indian Institute of Advnced Study, Shimla

7.6.32 The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, (IIAS) was established in October 1965 as an autonomous institution to provide facilities for senior scholars to pursue advanced research in Humanities, Social Sciences and allied fields. The main objectives of the Institute are to explore new frontiers of knowledge, generate significant new ideas and endeavour to make major conceptual development and offer inter-disciplinary perspectives on questions of contemporary relevance.

7.6.33 The Institute awards fellowships for periods varying from three months to three years. During 1993-94, 42 fellows worked at the Institute in different disciplines against a target of 30-35 fellows. The Institute organised 3 seminars in which scholars from all parts of the country as well as fellows of the Institute participated.

7.6.34 Weekly Seminars are a salient feature of the academic activity of the Institute. During the year, 22 weekly seminars were given by the fellows. Two eminent scholars came to the Institute as visiting Professors to deliver a series of lecturers on the theme of their choice. Eleven scholars visited the Institute to give lectures.

7.6.35 The Institute also serves as an "Inter-University Centre for Humanities & Social Sciences" of the University Grants

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Commission. During the period, 43 teachers came to the Institute as Associates from different colleges and universities from all over the country. A Research Seminar on "Metaphor in Philosophy and Truth in Literature" and study weeks on "Collapse of the Existing Socialist State System" and "Federalism in India" Were also organised in which eminent scholars participated. 8 Associates presented their papers in the Seminars of the Institute.

7.6.36 Fourteen publications have been brought out during the year 1993-94 and seven publications are in the final stages and are likely to be released shortly.

7.6.37 The library of the Institute has subscribed to 550 current journals/periodicals and has a programme to acquire about 2500 volumes of books. Efforts are on to link the library with Delhi Library Network.

7.6.38 The Institute has evolved a multidisciplinary team project on "Socio-Religious Movements and Cultural Networks in Indian Civilization" which has organised a Seminar on "Social Dimensions of Religious Movements" and held a review meeting from November 1-3, 1993. Twenty-four scholars participated in the "review meeting" in which studies proposed by eight scholars were presented and discussed in addition to thirteen papers. Some of the papers discussed at the meeting would be considered for publication as Occasional Papers.

Other Schemes

7.7.1 Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial College trust was established in 1973 to take over the responsibility of the management and maintenance of Dr. Zakir Hussain College (formerly Delhi College). The maintenance expenditure of the college is shared by the University Grants Commission and the Trust in the ratio of 95:5. In addition, the UGC sanctions development schemes from time to time. The expenditure on these schemes is shared in accordance with the pattern of assistance laid down by the UGC for such programmes. Since the Trust has no resources of its own, grants are provided by the Department of Education, Government of India, for meeting the above expenditure. Financial assistance is also provided for meeting the administrative expenditure of the Trust.

7.7.2 National Policy on Education-1986, as modified in 1992, envisages that beginning will be made in delinking degrees from jobs in sleeted area, particularly in services for which a University degree need not be a necessary qualification. NPE also visualises that, concomitant with delinking, an appropriate machinery, such as National Evaluation Organisation (NEO), will be established to conduct tests on voluntary basis to determine

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the suitability of candidates for specific jobs, to pave the way for the emergence of norms of comparable competencies across the nation and to bring about an overall improvement in testing and measurement. The National Evaluation Organisation has been set up as an autonomous Registered Society for this purpose. The National Evaluation Organisation will :

a) conduct scientifically and rationally designed tests for certifying the suitability of candidates irrespective of their formal qualifications for specified jobs;

b) develop methodologies and techniques for testing knowledge, proficiency, abilities, skills, competenece and aptitudes necessary for the performance of specified jobs or cluster of jobs;

c) assist on such terms and conditions that the National Evaluatation Organisation may decide, (if such assistance is sought), existing Institutions and agencies which are conducting different tests by holding preliminary screening or similar other tests on their behalf, for the purposes of admissions to courses of higher studies, faculty recruitment, recruitment of scientists, specialists etc.

d) function as a well equipped resource centre at the National level in test development, test administration, test scoring and intrepretation, application of computer systems and optical mark readers etc.

7.7.3 The Scheme of financial assistance to Institutes of Higher Learning has been continuing from Plan to Plan. Under the Scheme, this Ministry has been providing financial assistance to some voluntary organisations/educational institutions. Assistance under the scheme is provided to institutions which are outside the University system and which are engaged in programme of innovative character.

7.7.4 Assistance is also extended to Institutions offering programmes of particular interest to rural community and are of innovative character. During the year (i) Shri Aurobindo International Centre for Education, Pondicherry; (ii) Shri Aurobindo Institute of Educational Research, Auroville; (iii) Lok Bharati, Sanosra; and (iv) Mitra Niketan, Vellanad, Kerala, have been/are being extended financial assistance under the scheme.

7.7.5 Since assistance to these institutions is being provided under the Plan Scheme, continuance of assistance from Plan to Plan has to be decided at the end of every Plan. In order to examine and to recommend the nature and quantum of

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assistance to be provided to these institutions during the Eighth Plan period, Visiting Committees were constituted by the Ministry in September 1990 to visit the institutions to make an on-thes-pot assessment of their performance and to recommend nature and scope of future assistance during the Eighth Plan period. The report of the Visiting Committees have been made available to the Ministry.

7.7.6 Financial assistance is released to the above four institutions on the basis of the recommendations of the Visiting Committees.

7.7.7 The Programme of Action 1992 on National Policy on Education provides that in order to improve the internal efficiency of the institutions of Higher Education, it is necessary to provide opportunities for professional development of university and college administrators.

7.7.8 The Department of Education constituted a nine Member Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Amrik Singh to review status of existing training facilities for university and college administrators, and to identify the training needs and to suggest measures to augment facilities for professional development of university/college administrators. The Committee submitted its report.

7.7.9 The main recommendation of the committee is to establish a nodal training institution at the national level to be called "National Institute for Training and Research in Higher Education (NITRHE)". It is to be a Registered Society under UGC as an Inter- University Centre to promote common training facilities to the universities. Its major objectives and functions would be to formulate training policy, provide facilities, promote research and management of higher education, identify training needs, design training programmes and provide a forum for sharing of information and expertise in the field of educational administration.

7.7.10 UGC has constituted a Sub-Committee which is examining the report.

Association of Indian Universities

7.8.1 Association of Indian universities (AIU) is an apex voluntary educational organisation of universities with the major objective of promoting and coordinating the activities of higher educational institutions, which are its members. Some of the major activities of AIU in the field of higher education include disseminating information, carrying out research studies, publication and promotion of literature, cooperation among institutions in the area of cultural sports and allied areas, conduct of conferences of Vice Chancellors and organisation of

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training programme for University Administrators.

7.8.2 AIU is substantially financed from the annual subscription paid by the member universities and proceeds from the sales and publication of literature pertaining to higher education. The Association receives plan and non-plan grants from the Government for the research programmes conducted by the Research Cell. Universities Handbook, Handbook on Medical, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, Distance Education, Bibliography of Doctoral Dissertation are printed on regular interval. University News, a weekly journal of higher education and research, covers major events in University education including articles of topical interest and features. In addition AIU has about 110 publications in the field of higher education.

7.8.3 A research project titled "Unit Costs of Higher Education - An Efficiency Study of Universities" has been completed. A number of research studies are in progress, some of the important ones are :-

- Mobilisation of resources by the universities

- Development and use of performance indicators in higher education

- Impact of question bank and utilisation of curriculum developed by Curriculum Development Centres (CDCs) and various committees constituted by UGC.

7.8.4 About 30 question banks have been published including banks on "Agronomy" and "Soil Science", which was published during 1992-93. A question bank on "Geography" was revised and published during this period. During the current year a new question bank on "Banking and Accountancy" has been finalised and the question bank on "Chemistry" has been revised.

7.8.5 In the area of sports, inter university tournaments were conducted in 27 games for men and 22 for women, at different centres in the country. These were organised at the All India level in different zones in the country. Similarly, AIU also organised cultural activities for University students in different zones with a view to promoting human values, culture and national integration among university youth.

7.8.6 The scheme of National Research Professorship was instituted in 1949 to honour distinguished academics and scholars. At present there are two National Professors. They are : Dr. (Smt) M.S. Subbulakshmi (Music) and Dr. K.N. Raj (Economics). National Professors are entitled for monthly emoluments of Rs.8,000/- and contingency grant of Rs.20,000/- per annum.

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7.8.7 With the reorganisation of the State of Punjab, the Punjab University was declared an Inter-State Body Corporate under the Punjab Re-organisation Act, 1966. The maintenance expenditure of the university is being shared at present by the Government of Punjab and the UT Administration of Chandigarh in the ratio of 40:60. The development expenditure of the university is met mainly from the grants sanctioned by the UGC for specific programmes in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission. The university, however, has to provide the matching share for the development grants sanctioned by the UGC and also to finance several projects and programmes which are not covered by the schemes of the UGC. In order to meet these requirements the Central Government has been sanctioning annually appropriate amount as loan to the University.

7.8.8 Over the years, interest of academics from foreign countries in India has been increasing. This is reflected in increasing number of research projects sponsored by American Institute of Indian Studies, United States Educational Foundation in India, Shastri Indo- Canadian Institute and Berkeley Professional Studies Programme in India. During 1993-94, the number of research proposals approved by the government was 318 as against 303 during 1992-93. Government has approved a number of bilateral agreement between Indian universities and their counterpart abroad. There has been significant increase in the number of bilateral International Conference Symposium/Seminar/Workshop in collaboration with foreign universities. Requests for appointment of foreign scholars as Visiting Lecturer/Professor in Indian Universities in the country have also been increasing.

7.8.9 Established in 1968, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute promotes growth of mutual understanding between India and Canada through exchange of scholars, promotion of research activity, bilateral conferences and special projects. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 1968, as renewed for 5 years with effect from 1st April, 1989, the government provided Rs.72,00,000/- grants-in-aid to the Institute during 1993-94. During 1993-94, the Institute awarded 40 fellowships to Indian scholars to carry out their academic research and interactions with their counterparts in Canada. Similarly, 16 Canadian scholars carried out their research concerning various aspects of India's heritage and the developmental process.

7.8.10 The Institute supported the visit of three Canadian scholars for delivering lectures at various Indian Institutions under its Visiting Lecturer Programme for the development of Canadian Studies in India.

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7.8.11 The Institute's proposal for joint collaborative research between Indian and Canadian institutions in the five designates areas was approved by the Canadian International Development Agency for funding. The CIDA-SICI partnership programme netted 265 research proposals in environmental studies, women in development, economic, demography and science and society. Eleven proposals have been approved finally for funding.

7.8.12 The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute has celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary of its founding with events in Canada and India. A series of seminars including an Indian musical event was held in Ottawa in June, 1993. The Institute in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies arranged a Seminar on Economic Change and Sustainable Development. The seminar was inaugurated by Shri Arjun Singh, Minister for Human Resource Development.

7.8.13 The United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) was established in February 1950, under bilateral agreement, as replaced by a new agreement in 1963 between the Government of India and the Government of United States to administer the Fulbright Educational Exchange Programme "to promote further mutual understanding between the peoples of the Unites States of America and India by a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts".

7.8.14 The binational USEFI Board of Directors each year approves the fields of study for which fellowships are offered. The Foundation awarded (a) research grants in social sciences and humanities; (b) pre-doctoral grants; (c) internships in library science; (d) internships in communication technology; and (e) internships in Art History. Twenty five lecturers, thirty five researchers and thirty six students were awarded grants ranging from six to nine months during the year under review.

7.8.15 Five Fellowships for a year long study and training were awarded under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship programme, for accomplished professionals such as policy makers, planners, administrators and managers who have a public service orientation and are committed to their own country's development. Grants were also given under Scholar-in-Residence Programme and American Research Fellowships programmes for three to six months, for Indian scholars for teaching/research work at an American University/Institutions.

7.8.16 USEFI also administers the East-West Center grants. During the course of the year, workshops/seminars are conducted on various themes involving Indian scholars at many of Centre's institutes.

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7.8.17 Besides the regular exchange programme, the Foundation also conducts a number of workshops/seminars, involving visiting American professors and eminent Indian faculty for Indian college/university teachers in various areas.

7.8.18 The Foundation also administers number of short-term summer group projects for American school/college teachers. Academic programme for these group is arranged at an Indian institution of higher academic learning. The Government of India in the Ministry of Human Resource Development approves all such affiliations and also reimburses the cost of academic programme.

7.8.19 American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) is a thirty-two year young consortium of about 50 major American Universities like Universities of Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Syracuse, Colgate, California, Columbia etc. The Institute was established with prior approval of the Government of India in 1960 to promote Indian studies, civilization and culture in the United States through a) award of fellowships in the fields from Anthropology to Zoology b) teach Indian languages to American students by offering language training course in places where these languages are spoken so that the students are exposed to the Indian speakers c) by establishing centers; Centre for Art and Archaeology in Varanasi and Center for Archives and Research for Ethnomusicology in New Delhi d) publishing results of the research work in India e) organising seminars, workshops and conferences in all fields of Indian studies.

7.8.20 During 1993-94 the Institute awarded nearly 150 fellowships to faculty members and Ph.D students from universities and research organisations in the United States irrespective of their nationality and in the fields ranging from anthropology to zoology.

7.8.21 During the period under review the Institute also awarded 20 language fellowships for Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Telugu.

7.8.22 During 1993-94 the following publications were brought out by Institute :

1) Text, Tone and Tune

2) Music of Bharatnatyam : Commemorative Volume honoring Jon B. Higgins

3) Krishnattam by Martha Ashton

4) Harappan Civilization by Gregory Possehl

5) Bharatnatyam in Cultural Perspective by George Kliger

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6) Arts Patronage in India : Methods, Motives and Markets by Joan Erdman

7) Umbelliferae of India by P. K. Mukherjee

8) Perceptions of India's visual Past by Catherine Asher

9) Idea of Rajasthan Karine Schomer

7.8.23 More than 3000 books have been published as a result of work done by AIIS fellows during the last three decades. Four complete sets of these books have been placed at a) Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi; b) National Library, Calcutta; c) Adyar Library, Madras; d) Deccan College, Pune for use by Indian scholars.

7.8.24 Archival facility in the field of Art and Archaeology has been developed at AIIS Center for Art and Archaeology with about 125,000 fully archived and catalogued pictures of Indian monuments supported by a library of about 30,000 books in the field. Eight volumes of Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture have been published as a result of the work done by this Center. The Center for Archives and Research of Ethnomusicology has developed an archive of 6000 hours of recorded ethnomusic of India supported by a library of about 5000 books. These archives and library facilities are unique.

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