Journalism of Courage
Five educational institutions in Pune have got the nod from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to run three-year vocational degree (B.Voc) courses, with students having the option of exiting after first year to earn a diploma and the second year to earn an advanced diploma.
On completion of three years, they would earn a B.Voc degree. The course is designed to impart skills and knowledge to meet requirements of a profession, and includes appropriate content in general education. B.Voc courses will be begin from the current academic year 2014-15 and admission process is on.
Sanjay Kharat, principal of PES Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind said the college offers B.Voc in ‘Greenhouse Technology’ and ‘Food Processing Technology’. He said training and placement were key features.
“Students pursuing B.Voc courses will be armed with adequate knowledge and skills, so that they are ready at each exit point of their course. These courses provide vertical mobility for 10+2 students with vocational subjects,” he said.
Kharat said more awareness needs to be created. Fergusson College has introduced two B.Voc courses, ‘Media and Communication’ and ‘Digital Art and Animation’. College authorities said new UGC approved courses would help students to gain employment and become entrepreneurs.
As per UGC directives, institutes offering B.Voc courses will receive an allocation of Rs 1.85 crore for three years. It includes one-time start-up assistance of Rs 50 lakh for setting up laboratories/workshops, procurement of teaching and learning materials, machinery/equipment and renovation. Besides, institutes will receive Rs 75 lakh for appointment of an associate professor and two assistant professors, among other expenses. While UGC has left it to institutes to decide course fee as per prevalent mechanism for aided courses in university/college, B.Voc courses offered for 2014-15 has relatively lower fee compared to conventional courses.
University of Pune (UoP) that sent its proposal to UGC for B.Voc is offering courses in ‘Renewable Energy’ and ‘Jewellery Design & Gemology’. PDEA’s Baburaoji Gholap College of Arts, Commerce and Science, New Sangvi (Software Development, Fashion Technology) and Ramakrishna More Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akurdi (Software Development, Food Science Technology).
