HYDERABAD: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification, encouraging the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to implement its guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education at the undergraduate level.
This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is mandated by the Supreme Court of India.
What National Education Policy 2020 says
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines the importance of making environmental education an integral part of curricula and encouraging environmental awareness and sensitivity towards its conservation and sustainable development. NEP also advocates the attainment of holistic and multidisciplinary education, through flexible and innovative curricula for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which shall include credit-based courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education.
In 2003, the UGC came out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of Environmental Studies at the undergraduate level as per directives of the Supreme Court of India. In 2017, the UGC framed an eight-unit-module syllabus for the Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
“In continuation to the previous letter no.D.O.F.N.1-1/2023 (EnvirEdu/Part File) dated 5th June 2023 regarding the launch of the UGC Guidelines and Curriculum Framework for Environment Education at the Undergraduate Level, all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are once again requested to ensure the implementation of the Environmental Education course as part of all undergraduate programmes, in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and in compliance with the mandate of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” a notification issued by the UGC said.
The UGC guidelines comprises vital topics such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and waste management, all of which need attention from various stakeholders to effectively address environmental challenges.
Innovative teaching methods
The UGC has also urged the HEIs to adopt innovative teaching methods, such as team teaching, to enhance the learning experience for students.
For detailed information on the UGC guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education at the undergraduate level, click here.