UGC Draft Curriculums: Opposition and Reactions
States governed by opposition parties have expressed concerns over the draft curriculums for undergraduate courses released by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The drafts are open for comments and states like Karnataka and Kerala have formed panels for review.
Subjects and Learning Outcomes-Based Curriculum Frameworks (LOCFs)
- The drafts cover nine subjects: anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education, and political science.
- These are termed as Learning Outcomes-Based Curriculum Frameworks (LOCFs), detailing the skills and concepts students should acquire.
- The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) envisions multidisciplinary 4-year programs allowing exit options at different levels.
Incorporation of Indian Knowledge Systems
- The NEP emphasizes integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into curriculums.
- Mathematics draft suggests an elective on Kala Ganana, exploring ancient Indian timekeeping and calendar systems.
- Chemistry includes a unit on traditional Indian dietary practices as described in Ayurveda.
- Commerce recommends a course on Indian management principles, including lessons from Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana.
Opposition to the Draft Curriculum
- Kerala's Higher Education Minister criticized the drafts for containing "obsolete" and "unscientific" ideas.
- Concerns over inclusion of generic terms in the commerce curriculum and recommended readings featuring non relevant books.
- Karnataka's Higher Education Minister accused the central government of trying to impose certain ideologies.
UGC's Position and Autonomy of Universities
- UGC states universities have the autonomy to adapt or redesign modules based on institutional priorities and regional contexts.
- The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), as per NEP, will eventually frame learning outcomes and curriculum frameworks, though it is not yet established.