WB govt to take a call on 4-year UG course next week: Education minister

Education Minister to Decide on the Matter Next Week

Amid concerns among teachers and students in state-run and aided higher educational institutions in West Bengal, Education Minister Bratya Basu announced that the government will make a final decision on the proposed launch of the 4-year honours course at the undergraduate level. The minister stated that he will hold detailed talks with the Chief Minister and issue a notice regarding the introduction of the four-year UG courses after the meeting.

College Authorities and Teacher Associations Express Concerns over Delay

College authorities and teacher associations have expressed concerns over the delay in the official notice changing the period of honours studies in the state from three to four years. The Principal of government-run Lady Brabourne College, Siuli Sarkar, mentioned that they had participated in workshops on the New Education Policy and shared their views with the advisory board of the higher education department. However, there has been no official communication from the government regarding the implementation of the four-year honours course.

Uncertainty Surrounds Notice on UG Honours Course

The President of the West Bengal College and University Teachers Association, Subhoday Dasgupta, stated that the exact timeline for the notice on the UG honours course reaching higher educational institutions is unknown. He expressed dismay that the state government had accepted the recommendations of the NEP 2020 draft, announcing the shift to four-year honours courses. Dasgupta emphasized that the association will oppose any move by the government to introduce four-year undergraduate courses in the state.

Implementation of NEP 2020 Draft in Question

Several principals of colleges in West Bengal have expressed their lack of knowledge about the implementation of the NEP draft, which entails the introduction of four-year honours courses from 2023. They are unaware of any specific plans or notifications from the government regarding the transition from three-year to four-year honours programs.