PM Modi Wants Universities to Review Journalism Courses, Get Involved in Govt Surveys: Report

New Delhi: In a letter written to all vice-chancellors of universities, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that prime minister Narendra Modi wants universities to get involved in various government surveys and to review their journalism courses "to make them more effective", reported The Telegraph.

The letter, which does not explain what specific changes Modi wants in journalism courses or why and in what capacity the universities should associate themselves with surveys, was written by UGC secretary Manish R. Joshi on instructions of the Education Ministry, the newspaper reported.

The letter has the following subject line: "Suggestion of Hon’ble Prime Minister regarding association of HEIs with surveys and review of journalism syllabus".

"Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) may be associated on a challenge mode with various surveys being conducted by Government of India, Ministries/ Departments (such as MoSPI, MoHFW, etc). They may even be entrusted with the responsibility of undertaking certain surveys," says the letter.

At present, various national surveys are conducted periodically, including those conducted by the National Sample Survey Office under the ministry of statistics and programme implementation and the National Family Health Survey undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"Syllabus in Journalism course may be reviewed to make them more effective. UGC & AICTE are requested to issue suitable advisories to institutions under your jurisdiction regarding the same matter," says the letter.

However, the letter does not clarify whether students of all or certain specific courses should join the surveys, and whether they should be doing fieldwork or analysis or both, reported Telegraph.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.