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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Siddaramaiah credits people, Cong high command for becoming Karnataka’s longest-serving CM
Vijayapura (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he is the longest-serving CM of the state, attributing the achievement to the blessings of the people and the Congress high command.
In his second term, the 77-year-old Siddaramaiah on January 7 surpassed the record set by Devaraj Urs, becoming the longest-serving CM of Karnataka with 2,792 days in office.
"Ministers M B Patil, Shivananda Patil, and all the legislators from the district have felicitated me as I have surpassed the late Devaraj Urs’ record. He was CM for about seven years and 239 days. I equalled it on January 6, and as of today, January 9, I have been CM for three days more than him," Siddaramaiah said.
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Addressing the gathering, he added, "This has been possible because of the blessings of all of you and the Congress high command—Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge. Because of their support, I have been able to serve as CM twice and also become the longest-serving CM. I thank the people of the state for this."
On the occasion, Siddaramaiah inaugurated new developmental projects worth Rs 82 crore and laid foundation stones for the projects totalling over Rs 730 crore, all for Vijayapura district.
He also inaugurated a cycling velodrome, reportedly the first of its kind in South India. "Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts have produced several cyclists for the state and the country," he said.
Highlighting the long-standing demand for a medical college in Vijayapura, Siddaramaiah announced that a government medical college will be established in the district in the near future.
He further said that Karnataka currently has 71 medical colleges, of which 22 are government-run.
