NIDM-UGC Seeks status of Disaster Management Curriculum in Universities for National Policy Paper on DM Higher Education

[Anil Kumar Gupta]

On recommendation of the National Disaster Management Authority, University Grants Commission (UGC) considered incorporating disaster management modules in Environmental studies/Sciences and other interdisciplinary areas. India Disaster Management Congress 2009 had already envisaged for strengthening disaster management related components of UGC compulsory module of environmental studies at all undergraduate courses.

 

2.      Most Central Universities have already envisaged a Centre for Disaster Management under their School of Environment Sciences/Studies. Recently UGC, involving NIDM, has developed the model curriculum of optional course on disaster management for all UG courses in all streams of studies, to be taught by faculty of environmental studies at college/Universities in India. A One Week ToT module on disaster management for organizing the courses at Academic Staff Colleges have also been developed and circulated by UGC.

Looking to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject of disaster management, its natural placing within environmental science/studies, in the course syllabus of M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. level is to be promoted through respective course committees/Board of Studies and Councils in the Universities/Colleges. A fellowship scheme for promotion of Doctoral research on disaster related issues in Universities/Institutes under Interdisciplinary/Environmental Schools is under the process of approval.

 

4.      A UGC-NIDM interagency Core Group has been formed on disaster management for advancing the integration of the subject at University and College education at all levels. A Vice chancellor level conference on the subject of ‘Climate change and Disaster Management’ is likely to be scheduled jointly by UGC and NIDM in the month of May 2013, the letters of invitation shall be send by UGC.

 

3.      Following the decisions of the Governing Body of NIDM, presided by Hon’ble Vice-chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority of India, a background paper on promotion of disaster management education in Universities is being developed. In this regard, inputs from the  University(ies)/Institute are important and, therefore, requested. A brief note indicating the present status and plans/proposal/steps being under taken has been sought from all Central/State/Deemed Universities.

[GOPI KANTA GHOSH]

Good effort..kudos

[ruchi]

thanx sir