State universities in Jharkhand, along with their constituent and affiliated colleges, are awaiting government guidelines on the proposed clustering of institutes before commencing their undergraduate (UG) admission process for this academic year. The higher and technical education department has prepared a proposal for college-wise clustering of subjects, aiming to assign specific sets of streams to each institution.
Clustering Proposal Details
For example, Doranda College, which is affiliated with Ranchi University (RU) and currently offers science, humanities, and commerce streams, would be designated to teach physical science, mathematical science, life science, earth science, computer science, environmental science, and education under the new system. Meanwhile, Marwari College in Ranchi would focus solely on business studies and education.
Protests and Concerns
Student unions have organized a series of protests against the clustering proposal, arguing that it would deprive candidates of the opportunity to study subjects of their choice within a single institute. Education Minister Sudivya Kumar has held meetings with all vice-chancellors and college principals to gather their views on the matter. He stated that the state government would take all stakeholders into confidence before arriving at a final decision.
University Officials' Perspectives
Regarding admissions to UG courses, the Vice-Chancellor of Vinoba Bhave University, Chandra Bhushan Sharma, commented on Monday, “We are awaiting the state government’s decision on the cluster system, the nature of its implementation, and any amendments. Thereafter, we will begin the enrolment of students into UG courses.” Echoing this sentiment, RU’s Dean of Students’ Welfare, S K Sahu, said, “We are prepared to start UG admissions through the chancellor portal. However, the university has sought advice from the government on the cluster system first.”
Sources indicate that universities are keeping themselves informed about each other’s UG admission plans while devising their own strategies. Several university officials believe that clustering of colleges would contradict the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multi-disciplinary courses for students. Others suggest that clustering and multi-disciplinary courses could be implemented simultaneously on a city-wise basis, allowing students to opt for their chosen subjects across different colleges.
Admissions for Excluded Colleges
Meanwhile, affiliated and minority colleges that have not been included in the proposed clustering programme have already begun UG admissions from May 24, and the process will continue until June 23. Universities such as Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University and Jamshedpur Women’s University, which operate on a single campus, are also accepting applications for admissions.
