India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a notable development, the Delhi High Court has raised significant questions about the necessity of mandatory college attendance policies in higher education, suggesting a potential shift in how educational institutions enforce these rules. Accordingly, this intervention could reshape the landscape of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) education in India. The court’s recent observations emerged during a hearing of a petition challenging the mandatory college attendance requirements imposed by Delhi University and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
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According to media reports, the petitioner argued that these policies are outmoded and do not align with the evolving nature of education, where learning increasingly transcends traditional classroom settings. In response to this argument, Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Amit Sharma, who presided over the case, highlighted the need for a more flexible approach to attendance. They suggested that rather than penalizing students for insufficient attendance, institutions should focus on encouraging attendance in a positive manner. This perspective is informed by the changing dynamics of education, where online resources and digital platforms are becoming integral to the learning experience.
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The Delhi High Court’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the impact that technological advancements have had on education. The court noted that students today can access high-quality educational content independently through various online platforms, which diminishes the necessity for rigid attendance requirements. The court remarked, “Attendance may have to be positively encouraged rather than shortage being penalized by debarring from exams”. Furthermore, the judges pointed out that global educational practices should be examined to determine whether mandatory college attendance is still relevant in the current context. This stance comes amidst broader discussions about the role of traditional attendance in higher education. Many universities, including Delhi University, have enforced policies requiring students to attend a minimum percentage of classes to qualify for examinations.
Critics of these policies argue that such requirements can restrict students’ opportunities to engage in other educational or professional pursuits and manage personal responsibilities effectively. The court’s suggestion to re-evaluate these attendance policies is a response to the evolving nature of education and the diverse ways in which students engage with their studies. The bench considered factors such as generational shifts, mental health concerns, and unique personal situations that students face. The court’s intervention has prompted Delhi University and the UGC to provide responses on whether these attendance policies can be adapted to offer greater flexibility.
Supporters of the court’s approach argue that a more flexible attendance policy could empower students to take greater control of their learning, encouraging independence and a balanced approach to academic and extracurricular activities. Educators have also welcomed this potential shift, recognizing that online and hybrid learning models have made traditional attendance requirements less pertinent. However, there are concerns that relaxing attendance requirements might lead to reduced student engagement and participation. Some educational experts assert that in-person interactions and classroom discussions are vital components of the learning process, providing opportunities for collaborative learning and debate that online platforms may not fully replicate.
Additionally, the Delhi High Court’s call for reconsideration of mandatory college attendance policies signifies a pivotal moment in the discourse on higher education in India. As this debate progresses, it could lead to significant reforms that better reflect the diverse ways students engage with their education in the digital age. This judicial review is not an isolated instance. It follows suo motu litigation initiated by the court in 2017, triggered by a tragic case involving a student’s death by suicide at Amity Law School in Delhi. The court had previously addressed issues related to institutional pressure and student well-being, underscoring the need for a more compassionate and adaptable approach to educational policies.
The matter is set to be revisited on September 9, potentially marking the beginning of a transformative period in the management of attendance in higher education. Furthermore, the Delhi High Court’s recent recommendations highlight a critical re-evaluation of college attendance policies, urging educational institutions to align their practices with contemporary educational needs and technological advancements. This could pave the way for a more student-centric approach that acknowledges the diverse ways in which learning occurs in today’s world.
