New Delhi: Prem Singh, a Delhi University teacher who undertook a hunger strike at Rajghat here seeking the withdrawal of the four-year undergraduate programme, has ended his fast.
The fast, which began on Wednesday, concluded on Friday evening.
Prem Singh pleaded with authorities to consider deferring the four-year undergraduate programme which is to begin at Delhi University this academic year.
A number of members from civil society of Delhi and teachers from the university supported the fast.
Vice president of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA), Harish Khanna, opposing the four-year undergraduate programme, said that the members who are against the programme have appealed to the authorities and would continue to oppose the hasty implementation of the programme this year.
In a statement, Khanna said: "All the members against the four-year course have issued an appeal to the authorities and have also resolved that all efforts would be made to oppose the hasty implementation of the highly debated four-year undergraduate programme in DU this year."
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set up a five-member committee to track the progress of the programme and to suggest corrective measures.
Udit Raj, the convenor of the Joint Action Front For Democratic Education, told a news agency: "On the occasion of the end of his (Prem Singh) fast, we would appeal to the vice chancellor and President Pranab Mukherjee, the visitor of DU, to perform his duty as the supreme authority of the university and repair the damage already done by deferring it."
The DU changed its three-year undergraduate course to four years, despite stiff opposition from some of the well known teachers in the university.
The four-year programme to be started this year makes it compulsory for students to study 11 foundation courses during the first two years, clubbing together students who seek vocational education with those pursuing academic disciplines.
IANS
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.