Bareilly: The Academic Council of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly, approved a series of significant academic reforms and innovative programmes during its meeting held at the Corporate Conference Hall on the second floor of the Rohilkhand Incubation Foundation (RIF) building. The decisions are aimed at aligning higher education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 while expanding career-oriented learning opportunities for students.
The meeting began with the introduction of representatives from the university campus and affiliated colleges. It was attended by senior faculty members, Dean Academics Prof. S.K. Pandey, Registrar Mahendra Kumar Singh, Controller of Examinations Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav, Dean of Student Welfare Prof. Vinay Rishiwal, Prof. Ravindra Singh, Prof. Archana Gupta, Prof. Vijay Bahadur Yadav, along with principals and faculty members from affiliated institutions.
The Council first reviewed the implementation of resolutions passed during its previous meeting on September 26, 2023, and was informed that all approved decisions had been successfully executed. Members then deliberated on recommendations submitted by various Boards of Studies (BoS) and unanimously approved several key academic proposals.
Among the major decisions was the introduction of several employment-oriented undergraduate programmes in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Retail and Operations Management, Healthcare Management, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. The Council also approved the launch of BBA, BBA (Honours), and BBA (Honours with Research) programmes from the 2026-27 academic session.
To strengthen the hospitality sector, the Council approved diploma programmes in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Housekeeping Operations, Bakery and Confectionery, Floral Art, Indian Sweets, Mixology, and Front Office Management.
A significant academic expansion was approved with the establishment of a Department of Library and Information Science under the university’s Central Library. The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.Sc.) programme has been revised in accordance with NEP 2020 and will commence from the 2026-27 session.
The Academic Council also approved revised syllabi for the three-year LL.B., five-year B.A. LL.B., and LL.M. in Cyber Law programmes, strengthening the university’s legal education framework.
Promoting India’s intellectual heritage and holistic education, the Council approved two-credit value-added courses titled “Indian Knowledge Tradition: Yogic Heritage and Healthy Living” and “Fit India.”
The Multilingual Study Centre received approval for revised diploma curricula in Mandarin, German, Spanish, and French, aligned with NEP 2020. The Council also passed a proposal to introduce Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Pali, expanding opportunities for language and cultural studies.
Recognising the growing demand for emerging technologies, the Council unanimously approved three new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based programmes proposed by the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT). Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh encouraged all affiliated colleges to introduce AI-related courses to equip students with future-ready technological skills.
Other key decisions included awarding two academic credits to students who successfully complete the Student Police Experiential Learning (SPEL) training under the National Service Scheme (NSS). The Council also approved proposals from the Department of Ancient History and Culture to introduce Postgraduate Diploma programmes in Archaeology and Archival Studies & Museology, while the Faculty of Social Sciences received approval to award the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
The Council also discussed introducing special diploma and degree programmes for retired Agniveer personnel to facilitate their transition into higher education and professional careers.
Addressing the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh said the decisions would lay a strong foundation for the university’s academic future.
“The resolutions passed today are designed to align our curriculum with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 while creating new employment opportunities. By integrating Artificial Intelligence, foreign languages and India’s knowledge traditions into our academic framework, we aim to prepare students as globally competent citizens,” he said.
The meeting concluded with discussions on additional agenda items under the chairmanship of Dean Academics Prof. S.K. Pandey. Registrar Mahendra Kumar Singh delivered the vote of thanks, describing the meeting as a significant step towards academic excellence, technological innovation and skill-oriented higher education.
Reported from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena.
