Keeping in view its expansion plans, the University of Delhi (DU) is planning to set up two new entities –a co-educational college in Roshanpura and a plant-based research centre at Shahbad Dairy near Najafgarh. “In Roshanpura, we will have a functional college in 2-3 years where arts and commerce subjects at the UG level will initially be taught followed by science as it will require the setting up of labs,” says PC Joshi, acting vice chancellor, DU, while talking to Education Times. The college is expected to benefit the students in the rural sector in Delhi and Haryana and help save commuting time. Meanwhile, at Shahbad Dairy, a plant-based research centre will be set up where the pursuit of courses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry will be encouraged. “While research on plant genetics is already being conducted at DU in the Department of Genetics, Plant Molecular Biology Department, and Department of Botany, there are no courses at the moment in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. The research studies centre will develop new courses at the UG level in these fields as the potential for growth in these areas – both in academia and industry – is on the rise,” Joshi adds. The centre will host PhD, postdoctoral fellows and students at the UG level. “So far, the Department of Genetics, Department of Botany and Plant Molecular Biology Department at DU offer research and master’s programmes with limited student intake. But the new research centre will impart UG level training to the students to meet the demand for higher crop yield due to rising population,” says Suman Kundu, director, South campus, DU.
The need to develop drought, flood and insect-resistant plants through research is of paramount importance, which will also be addressed by the centre, he adds. Cut to the past, the 10-acre land at Roshanpura was allotted to DU in 1989, with the Union education ministry in 2019 announcing that DU would build a college by 2023. The new college is an outcome of that plan. Presently, the university has plans to start a ‘facility centre’ for the students at both Roshanpura and Sahbad Dairy to provide admission and exam related services. “It will help save travel time and prevent students from coming to the main campuses for filling up and submitting forms and certificates,” Joshi adds. The university has been in talks with the Delhi government for funding the proposed rural college. “The college will help girls pursue higher education in the rural sector, many of whom are averse to commuting long distances,” Joshi says.
COURTESY – TOI