NEW DELHI, Nov 8: Delhi University’s college on wheels project – Gyanodaya Express – might be discontinued this year with the varsity still exploring funding options for the biannual educational trips.
The project was started in 2012 by former vice chancellor Dinesh Singh, who demitted office last month after completion of his controversial tenure. No such trip has been organised by the university in 2015 so far.
Back in 2012, Singh’s idea had received flak from the varsity’s teachers association who claimed it to be “illegally functioning” as the University Grants Commission (UGC) had not sanctioned any funds for the same.
The issue had also found mention in the ‘White Paper’ released against Singh by Delhi University Teachers’ Association, seeking his removal from the office.
The project was kicked off using the varsity funds, which the present administration is finding difficult to spare.
“Funding of around Rs 2 crore is needed to undertake any such journey. The rule book of the varsity’s annual budget, however, has no mention of allocation of such a funding.
“We are not sure how such a huge amount can be arranged. Hence, there is no clarity on whether the project will continue or not,” a senior varsity official said on condition of anonymity.
For each edition of Gyanodaya Express, the university selected around 1,000 students on basis of project and research ideas proposed by them and sent them for an all-expense paid trip.
While one coach used to be modified into a classroom, the varsity’s Community Radio used to broadcast live programmes from the train. The students were also supposed to document their projects after the conclusion of the trip.
The special train, a joint effort of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and Delhi University, has so far undertaken five trips covering destinations including Gujarat, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Rajasthan and Punjab.
Over 4,500 students have traveled across the country under the programme over the last three years. In 2013, 200 students from Edinburgh University and Kings College, London had also joined their DU counterparts for a trip to Punjab.
Last year, a special ‘Northeast’ edition of the train had covered eight north-eastern states. The varsity had also offered certificate courses in eight northeastern languages in run up to its preparation for the journey.
In 2013, Singh had announced during DU’s 91st foundation day function that the varsity is in process of buying a train from Indian Railways to take learning beyond the confines of a classroom. However, no such deal has materialised yet. (PTI)
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