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312 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
examination and a thesis of a respectable size fit for publication. The thesis will embody the investigations of the candidate in a particular field lying within the scope of the subject he had taken at the M.A. as being of major interest to him. Beside this the candidate will present himself for an oral examination in two subjects to be known as subjects of minor interest which will be allied to the subjects of his major interest. This arrangement will allow specialization with a broad base.
Question 21 : It may be well to have a few such degrees.
Question 22 : By means of subventions, studentships and fellowships.
Question 23 : Most essential to have a University press and publication department. Without this the post-graduate work will be considerably hampered.
Question 24 : See answer to questions Nos. 11-13.
Question 30 : Bombay University should confine itself to Bombay. New Universities should open their own departments. But if the new University is to be composed of colleges, then each college must confine itself to the teaching of one subject only.
Questions 31-33 : See answer to questions Nos. 36-39.
Question 34 : Spread of education should be a proper function of the University. But this cannot be achieved unless the University adopts vernacular as the medium of instruction which in the present circumstances is a far cry.
Question 35 : Government should have no control over the academic affairs of the University which must be entirely entrusted to the Faculties. But Government should have some control over the legislative and administrative affairs of the University. This they should have by means of nominations to the Court and the Senate of the University.
Questions 41-44 : I should leave these questions to the newly constituted Faculties. My opinion is that the curriculum even of the Honours Course provides a poor fare to the students.
Questions 45-46 : I hold a very strong affirmative view on the use of vernacular as a medium of instruction. But I feel that the problem cannot be solved unless Indian public opinion decides which vernacular it selects for common intercourse.
Question 52 : I think special measures are required for the promotion of University education among the Backward Classes and particularly the Depressed Classes.
Before closing my replies to the questionnaire I beg to express my surprise at the absolute disregard the Committee has shown in the matter of organizing a good Library. I cannot see how any University can function without a first rate library attached to it.
15th August 1924.
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