Sikkim rolls out four-year UG programme under NEP 2020

In Sikkim, the state government on Monday officially launched the new Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) as per the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

The release event was held at the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation conference hall and was attended by Education Minister Raju Basnet, along with top officials from Sikkim University, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Abhijit Dutta, deans, academicians, and representatives from colleges across the state.

The programme began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, performed by the university’s Department of Music. This was followed by a formal welcome by Prof. Satyananda Panda and Prof. Yodida Bhutia, who shared the journey of the NEP implementation at Sikkim University. The undergraduate curriculum was then formally unveiled by Registrar Prof. Laxuman Sharma, marking a new chapter for higher education in the state.

During the event, Education Minister Raju Basnet called the new curriculum a "milestone moment" in the state’s academic journey. “The FYUP will give our students a broader foundation of knowledge and better career opportunities. It is aligned with national goals and will help students compete on a global level,” he said.

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Vice Chancellor Prof. Abhijit Dutta, in his address, gave a detailed update on the progress of the university's permanent Yangyang campus. He said that six departments have already shifted to the new campus and more will follow in the coming year. “About 74% of the campus construction is complete, and financially, we have covered 72% of the project. It is a massive Rs 1,000 crore project, and we are following all Government of India rules,” Prof. Dutta said.

He added that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the next phase are being prepared and submitted to the central ministry. “We are committed to shifting all departments soon. I am personally meeting the President of India this Monday to request further support. The President, being our Visitor, plays a key role in our university’s future,” he added.

Prof. Dutta also raised important concerns about student safety and connectivity to the Yangyang campus. He highlighted the poor condition of the 2.5 km road from the Yangyang market to the university and urged state authorities to take quick action. “We need better road connectivity and a first referral hospital with ICU facilities near the campus. There have been cases where students lost their lives due to delayed medical help,” he said.

He referred to a recent tragic incident involving the death of a student near the campus area. While clarifying that the incident occurred during a private outing on a non-working day, he stressed the need for greater awareness among students and families. “This is a hilly region. There are risky areas, springs, and uneven terrain. Students must act responsibly. We urge parents to be cautious and guide their children well, especially when they are away from campus,” he said.

Government officials, including Tenzing Kizom, IAS and other university heads also shared their views and appreciated the collaborative efforts between the state and central institutions. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Rachana Rai and the singing of the National Anthem.