UGC Encourages 'Selfie Points' In Colleges With Image Of PM Modi In Background

Universities and colleges across the country have been asked by the UGC to set up selfie points at strategic locations in the campus.

This move has been taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a way to raise awareness among young individuals about India's accomplishments across various domains.

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But not all are convinced with this reasoning.

What is the UGC directive on the 'selfie point'?

The UGC letter states that institutions have been asked to set up selfie points on themes that include national initiative such as 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'.

Institutions have been asked to follow the approved designs in 3D layouts shared by the Ministry of Education, in order to ensure uniformity.

The samples of selfie points shared by the UGC include snapshots of the government's achievements in the fields of education and innovation along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo.

Why are 'selfie points' being set up in college campuses?

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The initiative of selfie points in campuses was taken to create awareness among the youth about India's excellence in areas such as space exploration, sports excellence, infrastructure development, women-led development, etc.

It has also recommended various themes like internationalisation of education, unity in diversity, Smart India Hackathon, Indian knowledge system, multilingualism, and India¡¯s rise in higher education, research and innovation for the selfie point.

UGC secretary Manish Ratnakar Joshi said, "These selfie points will not only serve as a source of pride, but enlighten every citizen about the transformative initiatives that have propelled India's growth on the global stage. Students and visitors should be encouraged to capture and share these special moments on social media platforms, fostering a sense of collective pride."

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How academics have reacted to the 'selfie point' initiative

The Congress on December 2 attacked the Centre, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned to save his "flailing image" in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh referred to this as in "obnoxious level of self-promotion."

Academics, too, are not happy. Several academics relate this to a "cult-building" exercise, the Telegraph noted.

"What is happening is full-blown propaganda to build a cult figure. The State is doing it using public institutions that have nothing to do with these activities. There is no provision in the law to enable the government or the UGC to ask academic institutions to promote such propaganda," said a faculty member, as quoted by the Telegraph.

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