DU colleges in a fix over activity calendar

The programme has given students a week-long break from studies in autumn that has to be used for co-curricular activities and excursions.

The Delhi University’s four-year undergraduate programme is bringing out the different ways of functioning of its colleges.

The programme has given students a week-long break from studies in autumn that has to be used for co-curricular activities and excursions.

Till last year, this used to be the university’s autumn break, which begins on Monday.

But while some colleges have created well-thought out programmes for that week, many others are yet to come out with a plan.

For instance, at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, three days of the week are being used to host the annual college festival Tarang.

“After the three-day festival, different departments will hold their own activities,” said LSR media coordinator, Kanika Khandelwal.

At Zakir Husain Delhi College, a time-table with details of each department’s activities has been created. Most departments are holding seminars and day-long class trips while others are holding week-long trips related to their courses.

But there are many colleges that are yet to come up with concrete plans.

“Most departments are planning an excursion on the students’ demands. A proper structure, however, is lacking. Till last year, students would get a break at this time and senior students are resenting the cancellation of their annual leave. Many are not interested in organising talks and seminars,” said a teacher at Kirori Mal College.

Hindu College too had a similar tale to tell. “We will decide what to do on Monday itself,” said a teacher who teaches English at Hindu College.

According to sources, the university had issued guidelines to all colleges asking them to hold co-curricular activities well in advance.

”The university is not going to micromanage everything. The colleges who are committed to the students are doing well,” said a senior DU official.