(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce Career Oriented Courses in Universities and Colleges in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the present status of implementation;
(c) whether the views of eminent educationists have been sought before approving and implementing the said courses by the University Grants Commission; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The University Grants Commission(UGC) is implementing a scheme titled “Introduction of Career Oriented Courses (COCs)” in Universities and Colleges in the country to encourage incorporation of skill oriented and value added add-on-courses in Colleges/ Universities at Certificate / Diploma / Advance Diploma level. COCs run concurrently with conventional degrees like B.A./B.Com /B.Sc. The guidelines of the scheme are at http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/ xiplanpdf/revisedcareerorientedcourses.pdf . Under the scheme, UGC provides financial assistance to Universities/Colleges, eligible to receive grants from the UGC, for introduction of COCs. The Universities/Colleges, which have introduced COCs, are provided with a financial assistance of Rs. 7.00 lakhs as “Seed Money” for five years for Humanities and Commerce stream and Rs. 10.00 lakhs as “Seed Money” for five years for Science Stream.
The UGC has informed that it has provided funds during the XII plan to 408 Colleges/Universities found eligible under the scheme.
(c) & (d): The UGC has informed that courses have been approved, in accordance with the scheme guidelines, by its Expert Committee, after holding interface meetings with the Principals/Registrars/Representatives of the Colleges/Universities.
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