IIT-Delhi Professors Proposes Changes in Education Sector to Restore Normalcy Amidst Pandemic

A group of professors from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) sent a proposal to the Union Minister for Human Resources and Development Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on certain changes to restore normalcy in the education sector as soon as possible.

This comes at the onset of the disruption caused by the pandemic in the education department.

What does the proposal state?

The proposal comprised of the following suggestions:

• Declaring the upcoming Autumn Semester as 'zero semesters.' This helps faculties and administrations in educational institutions across the country to complete 'formalities' such as completing a suspended academic session, conducting final-year exams, placement issues, convening, etc., and updating their infrastructure that hastily declined but can be better organized to continue.
• The time lost can be compensated "within twelve to eighteen months from the end of the crisis," the teachers assure in the proposal. This can be done by using online teaching methods such as the National Technology Enhanced Learning Program (NPTEL) and Ekalavya, reducing vacation time, using online methods for primary school students, etc.
• The time until January 2021 should be used for the hilt. This is the time for higher education institutions to "come together to pool resources and develop strategies for optimal online delivery and evaluation."

Purpose of the Proposal

Nalin Pant, Professor of Chemistry at IIT-D, and member of the institute’s Board of Governors confirmed that proposal has been sent to the minister and the IIT Council. This proposal stems from the fact that the return to offline modes and students into the campus could become detrimental on health grounds. 

The document reads: “Given the typical arrangements in classrooms and hostels, students are likely to be super spreaders and even if they are not in the vulnerable group, they can easily spread the virus among those who are vulnerable (e.g. parents, teachers, grandparents etc.).

The emphasis should be on ensuring that students in remote areas and poor connectivity are not left-behind.

For instance, such students could be asked to visit the nearest educational institution for online examinations. Central institutions like IISERs, IITs, Delhi University. etc. should take the lead in this.”