Dr BR Ambedkar Chair to start soon in DU; Russian language to be taught at UG level

New Delhi (India), July 12 Delhi University (DU) is set to introduce two significant academic initiatives: the establishment of the Dr BR Ambedkar Chair and the launch of a Russian language program at the undergraduate level.
Announced during the 1018th meeting of the DU Academic Council, these developments mark a substantial enhancement in the university's academic offerings. The Dr BR Ambedkar Chair will be established once approval is received from the UGC, while the Russian language program, previously offered only at the postgraduate level, will commence from the academic session 2024-2025.
"In response to a question asked by a member on Dr BR Ambedkar Chair during Zero Hour, the Vice Chancellor said that a proposal for the chair has been sent to the UGC, and Dr BR Ambedkar Chair will be established as soon as permission is received from there," the university said in a statement.
"Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh said that for the first time in DU, the Russian program has been included at UG level," the university added.
During the Academic Council meeting, the Russian program in BA (Hons) under the Department of Slavonic and Finno-Ugrian Studies, Faculty of Arts was also approved on the basis of UGCF 2022.
During the AC meeting, the course curriculum was passed by accepting the recommendations made by the Faculty of Arts in this regard with minor modifications. This program will be implemented from the academic session 2024-2025.
During the Zero Hour session, members discussed numerous issues, including the establishment of the Dr BR Ambedkar Chair, Prof Singh announced that a proposal for the chair has been sent to the UGC, and it will be established once approval is received. In a groundbreaking move, DU will also introduce a Russian language program at the undergraduate level for the first time, under the Department of Slavonic and Finno-Ugrian Studies, Faculty of Arts. Previously available only at the postgraduate level, this program will commence in the academic session 2024-2025.
Additionally, the Academic Council approved the initiation of the teacher appointment process in the 12 colleges funded by the Delhi Government, with advertisements for vacancies to be issued by July 31, 2024. Three members from the Academic Council were also nominated to the committee for determining the seniority of DU teachers and those in its affiliated colleges.
The meeting included the confirmation of minutes from previous sessions and an 'action report' on decisions from the 1016th and 1017th meetings, presented by DU Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta. Amendments in course structures, teaching methodologies, and evaluation processes across various departments and colleges were also approved.
Significant changes were made to the MSc Forensic Science program, allowing students to visit crime scenes through police stations as part of their course material. Modifications to project report requirements and training courses were also accepted.
A new provision enabling DU students to pursue two degrees simultaneously was passed. This allows students to undertake one degree in regular mode and another through open and distance learning, initially within the university system.
The Academic Council also approved the equivalence of degrees from Central Sanskrit University and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University with those from DU for research and employment purposes. Degrees such as Shastri, Sammant Shastri, Acharya, and others will be considered equivalent to corresponding DU degrees.
These decisions mark a significant step in enhancing the academic offerings and opportunities at Delhi University, aligning with its commitment to providing diverse and comprehensive education.