Balance needed between science, tech courses

BANGALORE: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) director Prof H A Ranganath on Wednesday blamed bad policy making for the ongoing ‘brain drain’ among students, which he believed was resulting due to the ignorance of basic sciences and other disciplines.“Many higher education colleges have grown rapidly in the country. But failure to study the demand-supply ratio has led to a severe brain drain among students,” he said, after inaugurating the 5-day Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Science Camp at Bangalore University’s Jnana Bharathi campus on Wednesday. “Students are opting for professional courses at the cost of basic sciences, social sciences and arts. This trend must be checked.”He also called for a balance in higher education curriculum. “Specialisation at undergraduate levels is no good. Students have to be exposed to all disciplines, and specialization should be there at postgraduate levels,” he said, stating how the IT wave had dealt a blow to physics, chemistry and mathematics courses.He continued: “The government has, however, woken up only now, and has initiated programmes such as INSPIRE. This must  sustain.” He added that there existed the dire need to sensitise parents about avenues in science education. ‘Open House’ In BUProf Ranganath suggested BU Vice-Chancellor Dr N Prabhu Dev to have an ‘open house’, allowing students and citizens to visit varsity departments to get a first-hand look at ongoing scientific progress. The V-C, replied: “Students must be given such an opportunity. I invite the PG faculty... we can have an inter-disciplinary exhibition in May or June.”‘Do Not Want Confrontations’The V-C urged all faculty members of BU to be interact more with the administration. “I do not like confrontations. I know there are pending promotions under Career Advancement Scheme. A committee will be formed, and your problems will be solved. I am always for granting promotions,” said Prabhu Dev, urging one faculty member to refrain from forming unions.