The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has discontinued its Postgraduate Diploma course in Hindi Journalism at its Amravati centre for the current academic year. This IIMC centre was established four years ago at the initiative of former President Pratibha Patil to provide professional journalism education to the youth of Vidarbha. 

According to a Times of India report, the institute’s Regional Director, Raj Singh Kushwaha, said the course requires a minimum of 10 students, but it did not receive sufficient admissions this time either, leading to the decision to shut it down. Kushwaha mentioned that the few students who had enrolled in the Hindi journalism course have been transferred to the institute’s Jammu centre.

The institute had sanctioned 30 seats each for Hindi journalism, English journalism and Marathi journalism courses. This year, however, just 9 students enrolled for English and 10 for Marathi. After including two external students in the English journalism course, the total enrolment count for both courses stands at only 21.

Meanwhile, students have alleged a lack of placement support, limited career opportunities, and a shortage of adequate faculty and facilities. They claimed that last year, even the English journalism course was taught in Hindi. Students of Marathi journalism have also complained that their employment-related expectations have not been met. Vacancies for the post of Assistant Professor are reported in the departments; however, the Director maintains that four faculty members are present, in accordance with UGC norms.

Within just four years of its founding, the situation has deteriorated to the point where the Hindi course has been discontinued, and the remaining courses are running well below capacity. Kushwaha stated that efforts had been made to boost admissions through promotional activities. 

Your support keeps news free. Get a 6-month subscription at Rs 1947. Or gift it to your friends or relatives.