UGC’s draft maths curriculum faces opposition from academics, petition calls for withdrawal
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) proposed undergraduate mathematics curriculum, which introduces traditional Indian concepts such as Bharatiya Bijganit (Indian algebra) and Kala Ganpana (traditional timekeeping), has sparked sharp criticism from the academic community.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald, more than 900 teachers, researchers, and scholars, including faculty members from the Indian Institute of Science, several IITs, Ashoka University, and other institutions—have signed a petition demanding the withdrawal of the draft.
In the petition, the signatories said they were “deeply concerned” about the draft framework, warning that it was “riddled with grave defects” and could “damage the prospects of generations of students” if implemented. They have urged the Centre to constitute a fresh panel of expert mathematicians and experienced undergraduate teachers to design a revised curriculum.
One of the primary objections raised is the alleged dilution of core mathematical concepts. The petition notes that algebra has been “short-changed,” with the draft failing to provide the minimum three courses required for a strong undergraduate foundation. Applied mathematics has also come under criticism, with the petition pointing out that programming and numerical methods have been excluded from the core, while statistics has been compressed into a single course.
The petition further highlights that courses involving statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields usually include practical and application-based components, but such provisions are missing in the UGC’s draft. “The future of mathematics and indeed all scientific endeavour in the country is at stake,” the petition warns.
The UGC has not yet issued an official response to the objections raised.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
