Bilateral Exchange Programmes 6.1.31 The Commission continues to implement various items under the Cultural Exchange Programmes assigned to it from time to time. These programmes involve exchange of teachers, development of bilateral academic links between institutions of higher education, joint seminars, award of scholarships and fellowships and assignment of foreign language teachers to universities in India. During the year 1988-89, 105 Indian teachers were able to undertake visits abroad
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under these programmes and 106 foreign scholars visited India.
Central Universities
Aligarh Muslim University 6.2.1 The Aligarh Muslim University, established in 1920, is one of the oldest Central Universities. It is known for its secular residential character. It has 13 Halls of Residence, consisting of 56 Hostels, which accommodate about 8,000 students.
6.2.2 The University has a student enrolment of approx. 19,000 which includes the students in the University as well as the Schools run by it. It conducts entrance examinations at several regional and metropolitan centres with a view to attracting talented students from different parts of the country. The University attracts Foreign students from several countries. In 1988-89 there were 367 Foreign students from 21 countries studying in the University.
6.2.3 During the year the University implemented the 10+2+3 system at the undergraduate level fully and consequently restructured its curriculum.
6.2.4 The University Grants Commission has recognised the University for the establishment of an Academic Staff College which provides orientation courses to newly appointed University and College Lecturers.
6.2.5 The Faculty of Medicine started a Cancer Detection Centre in collaboration with National Cancer Control Programme. A new Centre of Cardiology and Cardio-vascular Research has been established. A coveted course in the field of Plastic Surgery has been introduced. The Department of General Surgery has been fully equipped to provide maximum facilities for Open Heart Surgery. The Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, which admits 8 students to its M.Sc. course every year, has set up two new research laboratories for promoting research work of high quality. The degree of M.D. Anaesthesiology awarded by the Medical College has been recognised by the Government of India in September, 1989.
6.2.6 The Department of Computer Science conducts a three-year Master's Course in Compute Science and Applications, a one-year post B.Sc. Diploma in Computer Science Programming and a Diploma Course in Electronic Data Processing. The Department has an intake of 126 students. During the year the Department installed additional Computer equipment worth 18.00 lakhs purchased from Digital Equipment Corporation of USA. The Computer Centre of the Deptt. provides training to staff, research scholars and students of the University in the use of computer for research and developmental activities.
6.2.7 The Institute of Petroleum Studies and Chemical Engineering has upgraded its postgraduate diploma in Petroleum Processing to a more useful M.Sc. Engineering level course.
6.2.8 The Department of Applied Chemistry has proposed to introduce two new Post-graduate courses in: (i) M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry and (ii) M.Tech. in Instrumental Methods of Analysis.
6.2.9 The Department of library Science has started Library Science teaching at undergraduate level for girl students. The Centre for Promotion of Science has brought out two directories of. (a) Muslim Managed High Schools/Higher Secondary Schools/Colleges and (b) Deeni/Oriental Madarsas.
6.2.10 The University completed construction of certain buildings of Faculty of law, 10+2 (Boys and Girls) Lecture Theatre for Faculty of Science and Career Planning Centre building. Construction of Women's hostel and extension of existing buildings of Faculty of Arts, Department of Moalijat, Faculty of Engineering is near completion.
6.2.11 The University Riding Club celebrated its centenary. The Riding Club Team participated in Tollygunj and Eastern Command Equestrian Championships at Calcutta where it won number of first and second places. The University Table Tennis Team won the U.P. Intervarsity Championship three times in a row.
6.2.12 The University's Non-Plan expenditure during the current year has been estimated at Rs. 32.80 crores. The actual expenditure during the previous year was Rs. 29.73 crores.
Banaras Hindu University 6.2.13 The Banaras Hindu University came into existance in 1916 as a teaching and residential University under an Act of Parliament. It has 3 Institutes and 14 Faculties consisting of 114 Departments. In addition, it has one constituent
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College and 4 Colleges admitted to the privileges of the University.
6.2.14 During 1989-90, the Department of Electronics Engineering of the Institute of Technology was given the status of Centre of Advanced Study while the Departments of Sociology, Journalism and Mass Communication were recognised under the Special Assistance Programme by the University Grants Commission. The M.M.S. Course of the Faculty of Management Studies was renamed as M.B.A course from the session 1989-90. The University proposes to introduce a number of job- oriented courses in the next academic session.
6.2.15 Some scholars from the various faculties were conferred Honours/Awards for their outstanding contribution in their respective field areas of research/scholarship. Prof O.N. Srivastava of Physics Department was awarded the 'Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar' Prize for 1988, and Prof. S.C. Sanyal, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences was awarded 'S.C. Agrawal Prize' by the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists. Prof Rewa Prasad Dwivedi, Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharm Vigyan was nominated as National Lecturer for the session 1989-90 by the UGC.
6.2.16 The Training and Placement Office of the institute of Technology continued their efforts for conducting Campus interviews. More than 85% of B.Tech./M.Tech. students of various disciplines are getting jobs in prestigeous industries every year through campus interviews.
6.2.17 As a part of Radhakrishnan Birth Centenary Celebrations, a plaque of Dr. Radhakrishnan was unveiled. Ten retired teachers residing at Varanasi who served the University during the Vice- Chancellorship of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan were honoured. Prof. A.H. Dani, a distinguished alumnus of the University and Director, Qaid-e- Azam Memorial Museum, Islamabad (Pakistan) delivered two lectures in connection with the Birth Centenary Celebrations of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
6.2.18 A Cell to promote research in the inter disciplinary area of `Cold Fusion and Elotic Electro-Chemical Phenomena' was constituted by the Vice-Chancellor.
6.2.19 The Eastern Zone Inter University Youth Festival was organised from November 10 to November 14, 1989 under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The coveted Tata Steel Trophy was won by the University.
6.2.20 The University bagged 4 silver and 1 Bronze Medals in, the Inter-University Athletic meet. The University also won the U.P. Inter University Khokho (Women) Tournament and U.P. Inter University Water Polo Swimming.
6.2.21 The Diamond jubilee Celebrations of Mahila Mahavidyalaya were held in September 1989. Dr. (Smt.) Rajendra Kumari Bajpai the then Minister of State for Social Welfare, who was the Chief Guest, laid the foundation stone of a new hostel for undergraduate girls on this occasion.
6.2.22 The anticipated maintenance expenditure of the University for the year 1989-90 is Rs. 45.20 crores; as against expenditure of Rs. 41.05 crores during 1988-89.
University of Delhi 6.2.23 As one of the premier institutions of Higher Education, the University of Delhi attracts students from different parts of the country as well as from abroad. The current enrolment in the University is 1.70 lakhs. Out of this 1.04 lakhs are regular students of which 92,712 are enrolled in colleges and 11,892 in various Faculties/Departments of the University.
6.2.24 As many as 65,140 students enrolled in the University are studying through the non-formal system viz. 12,091 in the Non- Collegiate Women's Education Board, 41,202 in the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education and 11,847 as private students.
6.2.25 The University admitted 4,307 SC/ST students during the year. Of these, 1,121, were girls belonging to SC.
6.2.26 During 1989-90 the University proposes to establish two new Departments in the Faculty of Technology:-
i) Department of Applied Sciences & Humanities. ii) Department of Computer Engineering.
6.2.27 The following new Courses are proposed to be introduced : -
i) Bachelor of Journalism;
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ii) M.E. (Computer Applications);
iii) M.Sc. (Tech.) in Industrial Instrumentation; and
iv) M.A (Hispanic literature).
6.2.28 During the year the students of the University have excelled in sports. The University won the coveted Dr. B.L. Gupta Memorial Trophy for over all supremacy in All India Inter-University Competitions in the year 1988-89. The University also won the All India Inter-University Swimming Championship held in Osmania University. The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in the Government of India gave the University a Cash Award of Rs. 1.5 lakhs for winning positions in enter University Sports tournaments.
6.2.29 The anticipated maintenance expenditure of the University for the year 1989-90 is Rs. 23.69 crores as against expenditure of Rs. 20.99 crores during 1988-89.
University of Hyderabad 6.2.30 The University's academic year 1989-90 commenced on June 24, 1989. Entrance Examinations for admission to M.A., M.Sc., Master of Computer Applications/Diploma in Computer Application, Master of Performing Arts, and Master of Fine Arts Courses were conducted at nine different centres all over the country. Besides a general admission announcement, a special admission notice was also issued to draw the attention of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, highlighting the reservations in admission with relaxation in minimum eligibility requirements and provision for scholarships, hostel accommodation etc. During the year 804 students were admitted to the University on the basis of their performance at the entrance examinations, showing an increase of 5% over the previous year's enrolment. There are now 1578 students on the rolls, including 214 SCs, 32 STs and 26 Physically handicapped. Enrolment of women students is 651, i.e. about 41% of the total.
6.2.31 The teaching work of the University during the year continued without any dislocation. Financial assistance to students was continued in the form of Merit Scholarships (53), Merit-cumMeans Scholarships (121) and M. Phil. Fellowships (50), besides junior Research, Fellowships awarded to research scholars by the C.S.I.R. (85) and U.G.C. (109) on the basis of the National- Level Tests conducted by these agencies.
6.2.32 Dr. H.N. Sethna, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission delivered the Convocation Address at the third convocation of the University which was held on March 4, 1989. Eight hundred and twenty seven candidates received their degrees, which include 160 M. Phil., 37 Ph. D. and 62 M. Tech. Degrees.
6.2.33 The total number of research projects funded during the year by the U.G.C., C.S.I.R., I.C.M.R., D.A.E., D.S.T., I.C.A.R. etc. is 66.
6.2.34 As on 15-9-1989 the University had a faculty strength of 57 Professors, 64 Readers and 63 Lecturers. The number of Non-teaching staff comprising Groups A, B, C & D was 918.
6.2.35 During the year the Executive Council met seven times. The Annual meeting of the Court was held in December 1988 and another meeting was held in March, 1989. The Academic Council met twice during the year on 3-3-1989 and 30-9-1989.
6.2.36 Professor Bh. Krishnamurthy who assumed office as Vice- Chancellor on 11.6.1986 continued during the year under report. Justice Hidayatullah has been the Chancellor of the University from 10-4-1986.
6.2.37 The year witnessed considerable construction activity on the campus. The Schools of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and C.I.S. have already moved into the new Science complex which is near completion. Construction of a Second Women's Hostel of 150 capacity was completed in November, 1989. Work on construction of a building for Student Amenities Centre began during November, 1989.
6.2.38 The University's Non-Plan expenditure during 1989-90 has been estimated to be of Rs. 6.11 crores against an expenditure of Rs. 4.99 crores in 1988-89.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) 6.2.39 The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in September 1985 to provide access to higher education to large segments of the population especially the disadvantaged groups; to organise programmes of continuing education, to upgrade knowledge and
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skill; and to initiate special programmes of higher education for specific target groups like women, people living in backward regions, hilly areas etc. The IGNOU will encourage the Open University and Distance Education System in the educational pattern of the country and coordinate and determine standards in such systems.
6.2.40 The important features of the University are relaxed entry qualifications, a study: programme suited to the learner's pace and convenience, flexibility in choosing courses and the use of modern and appropriate educational and communicational technologies.
6.2.41 The University has adopted an integrated multi-media instructional approach including print materials and audio-visual aids, supported by a tutorial system, contact classes and summer schools. The University has adopted the system of continuous internal evaluation through individual assignments submitted by students followed by a terminal examination. The weightage assigned to each is 25 to 30% and 70-75% respectively. The University follows a letter grading system on a 5 point scale.
Academic Programmes 6.2.42 The University has launched nine academic programmes which include Certificates/Diplomas/ Degrees in Distance Education, Management, creative writing in English, rural development, library and information science etc. Preparatory work is going for courses like in Computer Application, Higher Education, Food and Nutrition, Early child care and Education, Water Resource Management, Energy Conservation, etc.
The total enrolment in the various programmes of the University is expected to be 80,000 by March, 1990
Student Support Services 6.2.43 The University has established an extensive Student Support Services network through its Regional Centres and Study Centres Situated in different parts of the country. At the Study Centres, part-time tutors and Counsellors provide counselling, advice and guidance to students. The Study Centres stock materials for all the courses, besides providing viewing/listening facilities for video/audio programmes. By the end of this financial year, the numbers of Regional Centres and Study Centres are expected to be 14 and 140 respectively. The University expects the number of Regional Centres and Study Centres to go upto 19 and 190 respectively, provided that adequate funds are available. Activities relating to student admission and collection of fees have been decentralised by the University and assigned to its Regional/Study Centres. Decentralisation of some more activities viz. evaluation of assignments, is planned.
Campus Development 6.2.44 The construction of semi-permanent structures on the campus at Maiden Garhi and the shifting of the offices has enabled the University to surrender hired accommodation resulting in an overall saving of over Rs. 50 lakhs per year. However, the main computer system of the University as well as its production facilities for audio/video progammes continue to be housed in hired accommodation. It is proposed to get one more block of semi permanent structures of an area of 3225 sq.ft. constructed. The Draft Agreement with the architects for the Master Plan layouts for permanent structures of the University is being finalised.
Equipment and other Facilities 6.2.45 The major equipment facilities required by the University are in the area of Communication technology. A main frame computer provided under ODA assistance by the UK Government is being installed. The studio equipment provided by the UK Government has already been commissioned.
6.2.46 The Government of Japan has agreed to give a grant of 611 million Yen- for procurement of sophisticated equipment for augmenting the post production facilities of IGNOU. Formalities in this regard have already been completed and the equipment is likely to he received and installed during the current financial year. In less than 3 years, the University has produced over 400 audio and video programmes.
Promotion and coordination of the open University and Distance
Education System 6.2.47 Since the initiation of its first programme, the University has succeeded in registering an all India presence. The quality of its programmes is of a
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high order and has been acclaimed both nationally and internationally.
6.2.48 It is the responsibility of the IGNOU to coordinate and determine the standards in the Open University and Distance Education System in the country. The IGNOU has set up a Coordination Council including Vice-Chancellors of State Open Universities, to make recommendations for coordination of distance education. The Council has proposed a networking arrangement between Open Universities in which any Open University would be free to utilise the course material, or other academic resources of another Open University, thereby avoiding duplication of effort and ensuring cost- effectiveness.
6.2.49 IGNOU has also been vested with statutory powers to allocate and disburse grants to State Open Universities in the country. In pursuance of this responsibility, the IGNOU appointed Separate Visiting Committees during the year to visit Andhra Pradesh Open University and Kota Open University to assess their requirements for financial support. The Visiting Committees have submitted their recommendations which are to be considered by the Board of Management for determining the extent and nature of financial assistance to be provided by IGNOU to these open universities.