NEW DELHI: When regular students of Delhi University (DU) are preparing for the first semester examinations, those of the varsity’s School of Open Learning (SOL) are queuing up to get their course material. SOL’s new session begins in September, and books are distributed before beginning of classes. Last year, classes started on November 13.
“From this year onwards, we wanted to convert the whole course structure and learning system into digital mode. We were waiting for the nod from the special governing body to start the online system. The delay was due to this, but now the printing committee has started work and students will soon get study material. Printing of materials takes time. Students can read e-books on the website. Classes will also start from december 2,” said C S Dubey, Director, Campus of Learning, SOL.
SOL is one of the largest revenue generators of DU, and is the largest open school with 4.5 lakh students. DU’s other open school, Non-collegiate Women Education Board, provides under-graduate and post-graduate distance education to Delhi girls only. Though the board has started classes, course material is yet to be distributed to students.
“Both the open schools have not even started the printing work because everyone was waiting for clearance from DU to come up with the new syallabus and to start the new semester. We have sent the propsal to the varsity but it is not responding. Our hands are tied, but the students’ academic year is getting spoiled as they are studying the outdated syllabus since 2009,” said another SOL official on the condition of anonymity.
Harish Gautam, an SOL student, said, “We have been facing this discrimination for years. The centre does not start classes on time. We have not got the material. How will a student complete the whole syllabus in a short time? When we demand for printed books, they tell us to study from the website.”