#Kolkata:
Will the state clash with the UGC again? At least the fear is that Rabindranath Tagore University will not approve distance education on important issues. In March, Rabindranath Tagore University sought approval from the UGC for distance education for 11 postgraduate subjects for the current academic year. According to university sources, the UGC informed the university on August 5 that only seven subjects are being approved for distance education for the current academic year. In such a situation, important subjects like English, history, political science, education, geography are not being accepted at the postgraduate level. The UGC has informed that the professorship required for these subjects is not as per the distance education law. Hence it was not approved. In this regard, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Sabyasachi Basu Roy Chowdhury said, ‘We will again apply to the UGC for the approval of distance education by appointing professors in these subjects.According to Rabindranath Tagore University, the Rabindranath Tagore University authorities have approved the teaching of Khabar, Bangla, Environmental Studies, Social Work, Rabindra Sangeet, Vocal Sangeet and Sanskrit. However, in that case, the letter from the UGC states that the university authorities can resolve all the infrastructural problems of the university. University administration can apply again after amendment. However, at present, no further applications will be entertained by the UGC for distance education courses. However, when applications are called for by the UGC, applications can be submitted for distance education courses, the UGC said in a letter.
Even before this the officials of Rabindranath Tagore University are facing problem in acceptance of distance education courses. Infrastructure, saying that there are many candidates, the UGC has not approved distance education earlier. However, after further discussion with the UGC, Rabindranath Bharti was again approved for distance education. However, it is feared that due to non-acceptance of these important subjects at the undergraduate level, many students in the state may face trouble. This is because students from different parts of the state depend on Rabindranath’s distance learning. Sources said that the higher education department has already started discussions on the issue. Although there is no doubt that the state is going to write Jeff’s letter to the UGC as the distance education of important subjects has not been approved.