University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman DP Singh said that the UGC is now focusing on Open Distance Learning (ODL) and Online education programmes. These are futuristic programmes and UGC is trying to form guidelines and policies for such programmes, he added.

UGC, in its priority programmes has adopted two pronged strategy where special teacher centric and student centric programmes are being prepared. Teachers programme focus on training them in conduct besides bringing his/ her expertise in local issues.

While talking to media persons, he said, for students, policy related to research is being completely overhauled. Research should be socially relevant and locally needful. ‘Till now research is often repetition or extension of previous topics that have little to do with social relevance. Now topics should also be nationally important and globally significant, said Singh.

Singh was in Bhopal to take part in induction programme of university and college teachers at National Law Institute University.

To a query, he said the decision of higher education department regarding doing away with the semester system could not be considered as a wise decision.

Singh said that semester system is followed worldwide. It was introduced in India to bring nationwide uniformity besides international equivalence.

Withdrawing semester system in Madhya Pradesh could not be considered as a wise decision, he said.

He stated that the universities and colleges should lay stress on research subjects that are socially important.

They should have data related to people, flora and fauna and other issues prevailing in their jurisdiction, he added.

UGC chairman said that UGC has also designed a new programme to improve governance in universities.

Under new programme the second line of administration is identified and properly trained in financial, administrative, legal and other matters.