Updated on: Friday, February 22, 2013
UGC has directed universities across the country to take appropriate measures and launch effective programmes to "stop radicalisation of youth".
The directive by the University Grants Commission to all Universities in the country is based on a suggestion made by National Integration Council (NIC)and it comes in the backdrop of recent spate of youth agitations in the country over various issues.
In a letter to University Vice Chancellors, the UGC said, "The NIC made certain suggestions for consideration of UGC. One of the suggestions was to stop radicalisation of youth for which effective programmes should be launched in all educational institutions at regular intervals."
In this regard, the Commission held a meeting on December 17 last year and decided that human rights issues and human values need to be sensitised among the students, the UGC release said.
"In view of the above, you are requested to take appropriate action to implement the decision of the Commission and take such other measures as deemed fit, to stop radicalisation of youth," the UGC told the Vice Chancellors in the letter.
"The Commission further decided that the technology and science students should be asked to take courses under humanities and social sciences also as part of their curriculum. Universities may be requested to take necessary further action in the matter," the letter said.