Students urge Government to clear confusion on NEP 2020
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31 2025: The Mayai Lambi College Students' Union has urged the Government to clarify on the confusion arising out of the introduction of four-year undergraduate (UG) courses in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP)2020.Addressing a press conference today at the college premises in Yumnam Huidrom, Mayai Lambi College Students' Union general secretary Ichaoba Wairokpam said that according to the NEP 2020, the recommended duration for an UG degree is now four years, meaning most graduation programs will require four years of study to complete.

He continued that the new reforms have created a lot of confusion and fear among the students on whether they will be able to complete the 4th year of the UG courses.

"Students in the State have no idea on where to pursue their fourth year which includes a dedicated research component.

There is no clear information on which colleges are offering the facility", he added.

He asserted that the Government should give a clarification on whether colleges offering fourth year of UG courses will be opened in the State.

He also recalled that in 2023, the Registrar of Manipur University had written a letter to the Directorate of University & Higher Education to identify the colleges which are ready to introduce the four-year courses.

"Students have already enrolled and are pursuing UG courses under the guidelines of NEP 2020.However, they have no idea whether they will be able to complete their 4th year or not", said Ichaoba while adding that the uncertainty over the 4th year of UG courses is very unfortunate and detrimental to the future of the students.

Furthermore, Ichaoba appealed to the Government to take immediate steps to ease the apprehension among the students and issue a clarification on the matter at the earliest Besides, the Naorem Birhari College Students' Union has also appealed to the Government to clear the confusion on the new reforms introduced under NEP 2020 and whether students of the college will be able to complete their 4th year of UG programme.

The union also warned of launching an intense stir if the Government and relevant authorities do not take necessary measures to address the grievances of the students at the earliest.

Moreover, the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), CI College Unit Council has also urged the Government to issue a clarification on whether colleges offering the 4th year of UG courses will be opened in the State or not.

In a release, the Council reminded that on October 21, 2024, DESAM had submitted a memorandum to the State's Education Minister with regard to the four-year undergraduate programme.

"However, no action has been taken even after three months have passed", it added.

The Council mentioned that according to NEP 2020, students pursuing the four-year UG programme can exit with appropriate certifications, such as certificate for first year, diploma for second year, degree for three years and honours or research with honours for the final year.

The Council also pointed out that many guidelines issued by the NEP are creating confusion amongst the students on which college is offering the four year UG programme, and whether Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is still mandatory.

Furthermore, the DESAM Cl College Unit Council urged the Government to clarify the opening of the 4th year (7th & 8th) semester for UG, programmes at the earliest to prevent any delay in the academic career of the students.

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