Indore: Students of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) will now be taught how to rescue themselves and others from bomb threats, terror strikes, campus shooting. “The University Grants Commission has directed universities across the country, including DAVV, to introduce a disaster management course with subjects such as rescue operations for bomb threats, terror attacks, campus shooting, explosion, etc,” DAVV vice chancellor Dr Narendra Dhakad said.
The UGC has also directed universities to include subjects like financial emergency such as unexpected loss of income, health emergency, earthquake, etc in the course curriculum. Dhakad said that students from all institutions of higher learning would have to study the disaster management course as it is mandatory. He said that the DAVV would soon in consultation with experts will soon prepare content for the course and subsequently launch it.
The UGC’s move is aimed at safeguarding students against accidents as well as attacks and threats, said a letter issued by the UGC to the universities. “All universities should consider compulsory courses on disaster management which shall include bomb threat, explosion, earthquake, hazardous material spill/release, campus shooting, terrorist attack, financial emergency such as unexpected loss of income, health emergency or any natural disaster,” the letter stated. The government had in 2015 issued guidelines on “Safety of students on and off campuses of higher educational institutions and universities”.
A few universities, including DAVV, are already offering courses on disaster management. Institute of Management Studies of DAVV runs two-year MBA (Disaster Management) with an intake capacity of 120. “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 strikes,” the UGC letter said.
