Meta-varsity ‘unlikely’ this year

NEW DELHI: There is uncertainty about the launch of the meta university from the 2012-13 academic session.

Jamia Millia Islamia has managed to get approval from its statutory bodies, but the other partners — Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) — are still at the planning stage. While Jamia and DU authorities are hoping that a delayed launch will be possible, JNU has said it is not in a position to start the project this year.

Earlier this year, HRD minister Kapil Sibal had announced plans for a meta university, whose pilot run will include a collaboration of DU, Jamia, JNU and IIT-D. The project will allow students to choose from study modules offered by the different participating universities, and take up courses offered jointly by these institutions.

It was decided that the courses will be launched from this academic session. Even as the new session is due to start in a couple of weeks, the universities, except for Jamia, are still working out the modalities. DU sources said the administration will convene a meeting of the academic council and executive council by this week, where the issue of meta university and credit transfer among universities will be flagged up.

DU vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh told TOI: "We will discuss the issue with the AC and EC and observe the procedure for getting the approval. After that, I will be able to give out the details." It is learnt that Singh has met around 1,000 teachers in groups to build a consensus on the issue. Has also sought written feedback.

Jamia is now waiting for the other partners to come on board. "As we are going to offer joint degrees, we need the participation of all the four universities for launching the project. Jamia has all the approvals; we are hoping for a delayed launch. We are ready with the PG diploma in public health, the field where Jamia will take the lead. We have also thrashed out an elaborate research agenda. We are now waiting the approval and funds from the University Grants Commission," said Jamia registrar S M Sajid.

JNU, however, say it is unlikely to come on board this year. Vice-chancellor S K Sopory said, "We are not prepared this year. We will be ready for the 2013-14 academic session. Consultations are on and we will seek approval from JNU's academic and executive councils. Before that, we need to look into the project details. No final proposal has been made so far."