Mysuru: In a significant move aimed at promoting fuel conservation and the efficient use of natural resources, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, has directed all constituent, affiliated and autonomous engineering colleges, schools of architecture and university departments under its jurisdiction to conduct classes online on all working Saturdays with immediate effect.
New Online Class Schedule
According to the circular issued by the university, classes will be held in online mode on the first and third Saturdays of every month, as well as on occasional fifth Saturdays that are declared working days. The decision applies to students across all four years of engineering and architecture programmes.
Rationale Behind the Decision
VTU vice-chancellor S Vidyashankar said the measure was introduced in view of the power shortage and the large-scale movement of students across the state on Saturdays. He said nearly four lakh students travel to attend classes, resulting in substantial fuel consumption. Explaining the rational behind the decision, the VC said the University Grants Commission (UGC) permits up to 40% blended learning through online mode. “We are utilising only a small portion (5%) of that provision. Regular classroom teaching will continue for the majority of the academic schedule, while selected Saturdays will be conducted online,” he said.
Implementation and Impact
The university has instructed all principals and heads of departments to make necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the directive. The VC added that the arrangement would continue until the present situation improves, stressing that the initiative would help conserve fuel, reduce travel-related costs and support sustainable resource management without affecting academic activities.
Reactions from College Principals
Sadashive Gowda, principal of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, said, “It is a proactive initiative by the VTU considering national interest. As we have come to the end of the even semester, it is not going to affect the teaching-learning process. In addition, we have the expertise and experience of handling online classes during COVID time. Therefore, I welcome this initiative by VTU.”
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