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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bumrah doubtful for India's T20 World Cup opener against USA
Mumbai (PTI): India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the team’s opening T20 World Cup match against the United States on Saturday after feeling slightly under the weather and skipping the training session the previous evening.
With the opening fixture expected to be a one-sided affair, the Indian team management is in no mood to take any risk with its most important fast bowler at the very start of a long campaign, it is learnt.
Bumrah, central to India’s white-ball plans, did not bowl at the nets on Friday, prompting speculation that he could be rested purely as a precautionary measure. He was running a bit of temperature.
ALSO READ: K'taka court convicts three men for gangrape of foreign tourist, murder
In case the 32-year-old fails to recover in time, Mohammed Siraj, who joined the squad on Friday evening, is expected to slot into the playing XI.
However, with Hardik Pandya likely to share the new ball, Siraj might have to operate as the first-change bowler.
India have a packed group schedule with matches lined up on February 12 against Namibia, on February 15 against Pakistan and on February 18 versus Holland.
The Pakistan fixture remains doubtful due to the prevailing uncertainty, making the USA contest largely inconsequential in the larger scheme of things.
Given the heavy workload ahead and tougher opponents to follow, resting Bumrah against a relatively inexperienced side appears the most sensible option.
The team management feels that preserving Bumrah for the business end of the tournament is paramount.
