Teachers Express Shock Over UGC Guidelines; Demand Immediate Withdrawal

New Delhi: Miffed at University Grant Commission’s (UGC) decision to hold exams, the Federation of Central Universities Teachers Association (FEDCUTA) has issued a letter to UGC chairperson DP Singh, saying the authority’s guidelines don’t take into account the country’s present condition.

The letter expressed “shock and disappointment” at the fresh examination guidelines and academic calendar for universities issued by the authority in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The teachers’ body demanded immediate withdrawal of the norms. “The guidelines reflect a complete betrayal of its responsibilities towards the interests of students, faculty, and society at large,” FEDCUTA wrote, urging for new guidelines to close of the courses for final-year/semester students.

The letter added, “Even if that option is available on paper, conducting regular examinations in offline (pen & paper) mode by the end of September would be impossible for most universities. As per current government guidelines, it is not safe to reopen universities and colleges… UGC’s insistence…is aimed at promoting online examinations.”