Shiksha Samachar: UGC introduce one-year LLM Programme

UGC introduce one-year LLM Programme
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Rizwan Khan on 20/02/2013 20:51:00

Professors say decision will dilute quality of post graduate programme.

Delhi - After a lot of discussion and conferences, the University Grants
Commission (UGC) has decided to introduce a one-year LLM programme in
universities from academic year 2013-14. However, law professors in the city are
not happy with the decision as they believe it will dilute quality of the post
graduate programme.
As per the UGC website, an expert committee constituted by the UGC has submitted
the guidelines for introduction of the one-year LLM programme. The programme
will be introduced only in universities/ institutions with a centre for post
graduate legal studies. The universities fulfilling guidelines will be allowed
to conduct the one-year programme.
The main reason the UGC is converting the two-year programme to a one-year
course is to prevent brain drain of law students, said the principal of a
reputed law college in the city.
"Developed countries have one-year post graduation programme. Indian students
prefer to study and subsequently work there which is a major cause for worry for
our country. Hence, the UGC is introducing this programme. However, reducing a
year without ensuring proper infrastructure in colleges will harm students," she
said.
"UGC prescribes 90 days of compulsory teaching for LLB courses. The university
starts colleges in June-end and conducts exams in the first week of October
following which the colleges are closed for holidays. Hence, many things
prescribed by UGC remain on paper. Similarly, the guidelines for the new course
will also be violated, thereby affecting students," she added.
A senior member of the UoP's law department said, "The 17 premier law schools in
the country have amenities, faculty members and funds to actually convert the
course into a one-year programme. But in other 1,100 state universities and
colleges, it is impossible to qualitatively implement it. But if one university
does it, there will be competition among all others to attract students which in
turn will put additional pressure on already over burdened staff," said the
official.
Sourse : Indian Express