New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has again asked universities across the country for the compulsory implementation of the environmental studies module for undergraduate course of all branches of higher education in universities and colleges.
Sources said that the UGC, the regulatory authority for higher education funding, has been pursuing compulsory implementation of environmental studies for undergraduate course for the past several months. However, it is understood the implementation has been delayed due to the time-consuming process of curriculum development and infrastructural upgrade.
Asking universities for immediate implementation, the UGC directive states, “Compulsory implementation of module syllabus on environmental studies for undergraduate course of all branches of higher education in universities and colleges as per directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, University Grants Commission with the help of an expert committee has framed 8 units module syllabus for Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC-Environmental Studies) under CBCS.”
The module is available on UGC website www.ugc.ac.in. and universities have been requested to take necessary steps for implementation of the directions of the Supreme Court, sources added. The directive pointed out that non-implementation of the SC order, in its letter and spirit, amounts to contempt of court and should also be informed to all the colleges affiliated to university.
It is felt that environmental studies is important for the students to have a knowledge about what is happening to the Earth and its resources.
“The interdisciplinary course will be helpful in imparting knowledge to undergraduates from all educational backgrounds. It will give them a better understanding of environmental issues,” sources added.
Ecosystems, renewable and non-renewable natural resources, biodiversity and conservation, pollution, environmental policies and practices, exploitation of mineral, land, water resources and deforestation will be among the subjects covered as part of the Environmental Studies, sources added.
