On surprise visit,V-C finds DU colleges grappling with new format

“From 2 pm-4 pm,the classes are lying vacant. We will take strict action against colleges which have shown delinquency with regard to holding of classes,” the V-C told reporters.

Getting a feedback on the new course and inquiring if they had received laptops from the college,Singh interacted with students in the college corridors and in classrooms. When a class of first-year Chemistry students at Ramjas College informed him that they had not yet received the laptops,Singh said,“The laptops have been given to the college. I assure you that you will get them in two-three days.”

Stating that every college had been given high bandwidth of internet access and the books will be available soon,Singh told students,“The idea is to rise above the simple text-book. Don’t get mired in the book.” He also urged students to come up with an e-newspaper,internet radio and television shows.

First-year Commerce students at Ramjas College complained that the foundation course in mathematics was “silly”. “We study prime numbers and data collection. We have done this is Class 10-12. What is the point of studying this again?” a student asked the V-C.

A series of questions from the V-C on prime numbers followed the query. Not satisfied with the replies,he said the idea behind the foundation courses. “The foundation courses have been designed to help develop your analytical and communication skills. You will learn about issues in the society,” he said.