The University Grants Commission (UGC) has written all universities to start courses on disaster management and financial emergencies. Now, each university in the nation will be required to offer these courses.
“The government is giving high priority to making students aware of disaster management in higher educational institutions. Planning for natural disasters and emergencies is something every educational institution must consider. Preparation is the key to saving precious lives or minimise possible losses if a disaster strike,” the letter says.
“Educational administrators across the country have also requested course material to ensure that students are safeguarded against attacks, threats, and accidents. Accordingly, I am directed to request all universities to consider compulsory courses on disaster management for all students,” the letter further reads.
These courses must cover issues like bomb threats, earthquakes, blasts, hazardous material spills/release, campus shootings, and terrorist attacks. They must also teach about financial emergencies like a sudden health emergency, unexpected loss of income, deaths, risk of eviction and damages from natural disasters.
Universities have been told to issue orders to all affiliated colleges to contain this course in their prospectus from the next academic year.
