The University Grants Commission has designed a curriculum framework to introduce environmental education as a mandatory area of study at the undergraduate level.

A draft of the curriculum framework has been put out in public domain and the commission has sought public opinion on the same.

It may be recollected that earlier in 2003, UGC had come out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of Environmental Studies at the undergraduate level as per directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Further, in 2017, UGC framed an 8 unit’s module syllabus for the Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

This four-credit course at present will attempt to inculcate a sense of responsibility towards the environment and its protection.

Among the proposed titles for study under the programme are Humans and the Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Environmental Issues: Local, Regional and Global, Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution and Health, Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation, Environmental Management, Environmental Treaties and Legislation and Case studies and fieldwork.

According to the draft, a one credit of tutorial work means one-hour engagement per week. In a semester of 15 weeks duration, a one credit tutorial in a course is equivalent to 15 hours of engagement.

A one credit course in practicum or lab work, community engagement and services, and field work in a semester means two-hour engagement per week. In a semester of 15 weeks duration, a one credit practicum in a course is equivalent to 30 hours of engagement. The proposed number of credits per course and the credit distribution are suggestive and the HEIs may decide on course credits and distribution over six/eight semesters in a manner that will facilitate the students to meet curriculum requirements.

“The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines the importance of making environmental education an integral part of curricula and encouraging environmental awareness and sensitivity towards its conservation and sustainable development. NEP also advocates the attainment of holistic and multidisciplinary education, through flexible and innovative curricula for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which shall include credit-based courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education,” said Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, chairman, UGC talking about the need for the course.

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