NE to figure in Jamia curriculum

Optiol paper this year, full-fledged PG course from 2016 session

From a Correspondent

New Delhi, June 2: In an effort to bring the Northeastern states closer to mainstream India, Jamia Millia Islamia University will start an ‘optiol paper’ in Northeastern Studies for students undertaking examition for Masters Degree in the University.

“The course will start from the forthcoming semester beginning August 2015,” said DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

The decision was taken following a detailed discussion with Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia University, Prof Talat Ahmad and Director, Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Sanjoy Hazarika.

While complimenting the Jamia Millia authorities for this initiative, the minister said institutiolized study and research on Northeast India will provide inputs to professiols and policy makers on key issues relating to the region and thus help create a bridge between the policy making desk and realities on the ground.

 “The new initiative will, therefore, make up for this missing link in a big way,” the minister said.

Professor Talat Ahmad informed that while the optiol paper in Northeastern Studies for post-graduate students will start from the current session, the University plans to start a full-fledged Master’s Degree in Northeastern Studies from the next session. He said, the curriculum for the course will be comprehensive and cover diverse aspects of Northeast India including its history, geography, heritage and current affairs.