A section of academics has expressed concerns over the implementation of the internship component for the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) in colleges affiliated with the University of Calicut in Kerala.
According to the existing regulations, students pursuing BBA and BCA courses are required to complete 120 hours of internship carrying four credits. Those in other programmes must complete 60 hours of internship carrying two credits. The students are required to complete their internships during the April-May vacation period before entering the fifth semester. The first batch of FYUGP students are all set to enter the fifth semester soon.
Calicut varsity to devise guidelines for internship under FYUGP
Senate members affiliated with the Congress-aligned Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association (KPCTA), however, claim that the university has not put in place adequate mechanisms to support students in securing suitable and meaningful internship opportunities. This has led to widespread confusion among students, parents, and faculty members across affiliated colleges, they pointed out in a letter to P. Raveendran, Vice-Chancellor.
Along with this, it has been alleged that “unauthorised agencies” have reportedly begun offering internship certificates without providing any real training or ensuring relevant academic outcomes. Such practices could undermine the credibility and objectives of the FYUGP, said Senate members V.M. Chacko, P. Sulfi, Manoj Mathews, R. Jayakumar, I. Sreelatha, and G. Sunil Kumar. Syndicate members T.J. Martin and P. Madhu have also written to the V-C.
