Vice Chancellor assures facilities while adding Delhi University's fourth year.

Only a few weeks remain for the University of Delhi to renovate the ruined labs, classes, and academic calendars. If these problems are solved before the beginning of the academic year, the performance of the fourth year will be decided.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh has confirmed the apprehensions raised by students and teachers as Delhi University prepares to start the fourth year of its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) in August, but he has also assured the provision of facilities needed.

Singh informed PTI that the concerns are "very genuine". For the first time, talent, entrepreneurship, and research are being given importance. These are new paths. While teachers are anxious, the fourth year will transform undergraduate education in our country.

The deployment of the fourth-year FYUP has been under fire due to its poor infrastructure, incomplete curricula, and mixed academic structure. Reports indicate that several universities do not have the upgraded labs, libraries, and learning materials required to manage the extended curriculum.

The vice-chancellor urged students to enrol despite the issues without fear. "Don't worry. Buildings will be put up if there are not any there. He reiterated the commitment of the university to the change, stating, "It is in the interest of our students."

But not everyone is convinced. Education professionals and teachers' unions have complained about the university's preparedness. With insufficient preparation, some fear that the fourth year might increase dropouts, particularly among uncertain students.

Faculties have also raised concerns regarding being overburdened and lacking adequate funds or resources.

DU is racing against the clock to plug the gaps with barely enough time before the beginning of the next academic year. How much meaningful change will come, or whether things fall short of expectations, will depend on how effectively the university negotiates these intellectual and practical hurdles.

As part of the broader education reforms in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the FYUP reform is one of the elements of bringing flexibility, multidisciplinary education, and skill-based learning at the undergraduate level.