July 2008

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is the most prestigious institute in India for pursuing engineering studies. Lacs of students take part in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and only handful of them are selected for these premier institutes. In recent years, the number of students reaching the merit threshold has increased significantly. Is this a healthy sign of fair education policy and better education system or is it something else? Some of the IIT caretakers feels the other way. They are concerned over missing the raw talent of the country behind JEE. Today, thousands of coaching institutes have popped up in every corner of the country, giving coaching to IIT aspirants and helping them crack the exam with minimum efforts. These students get well equipped by practicing anticipation of paper pattern and solving similar pattern of problems. The result is that some of the raw talents of the country remains behind in the race and these paper cracking aspirants takes the front seat. IIT caretakers are aware and concerned of this fact and some of them have even suggested to completely change the structure of Joint Entrance Examinations.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has submitted a plan of Rs. 100 billion to University Grants Commission (UGC) to improve its academic standards and over all infrastructure. AMU is planning to offer 168 new courses apart from creating well equipped laboratories, new libraries, filling up more faculty positions and creating new sections in campus. AMU is one of the leading and prestigious university of North India, with a rich heritage and history. Since the inception of new technology and courses, university has progressed at a steady pace and now wants to expand & standardize its academic structure. The modernization plan was handed over to the UGC team, who recently visited the university campus.

Hearing the plea of group of medical aspirants, Delhi High Court has issued notice to Delhi University over its alleged failure to give reservations to OBC candidates in various courses. In their petition the group has alleged, that despite of apex court upholding the governments decision to provide 27% reservation to OBC candidates, Delhi University has not fulfilled the same and has refused to give quota to OBC candidates in various medical colleges. The High Court has asked DU to clarify, why have they failed to provide reservations to OBC candidates in various colleges.

100 primary schools run by Municipal Corporation Of Delhi (MCD) have been chosen for self defense classes for girl students. Selective schools have been chosen that are more prone to sexual abuse and physical violence. Students will be given Judo and Karate training, along with deployment of security guards in the schools. Female attendants will also be appointed to keep watch at sensitive areas in these schools. Deployment of security guards was planned much earlier by MCD during the upgradation plan of schools. Key areas have been identified, where security situation is under question and schools from these areas have been selected for the aforesaid training program.