Delhi University's academic council has officially approved a reworked strategic plan for 2024-47 to promote research and collaboration while enhancing the university's global standing.
This new plan, which replaces the previous version withdrawn in December due to plagiarism allegations, emphasizes "Excellence in Education, Research, and Sustainable Practices." It aligns with India's vision of achieving developed nation status by 2047.
Key focus areas of the strategic plan include fostering interdisciplinary research that addresses societal, national, and global challenges. The university aims to prioritize research in artificial intelligence, climate change, and infectious diseases. Strengthening partnerships with the industry for collaborative research and student internships will also be critical to ensure that academic programs meet evolving market demands.
Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh articulated the university's ambition to become an internationally recognized institution. "The vision of the University of Delhi is to provide the highest quality education, nurture talent, and shape well-rounded, socially responsible global citizens," he stated, emphasizing the university's commitment to truth and service to humanity.
In addition to the strategic plan, the council approved the Faculty of Social Sciences' recommendations to introduce East Asian language courses at Ramjas College, Hansraj College, and Ram Lal Anand College. These courses include an Advanced Diploma in Korean, a Certificate and Diploma in Chinese, and an Advanced Diploma in Japanese to enhance linguistic diversity and cultural understanding.
Further, the Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) curriculum at the Department of Microbiology and a new super-speciality DM course in Pediatric and Neonatal Anaesthesia at Lady Hardinge Medical College was also approved.
Amid these developments, concerns were raised regarding the principal of St. Stephen's College allegedly disregarding university regulations. In response, the Vice Chancellor constituted a committee of academic council members to engage with the principal on these issues.