Which of the following steps were taken by the university grants commission during the second five year plan ?

(A) Introduction of three-year degree course

(B) Improvement in libraries and laboratories

(C) Increase in the salaries of university teachers

(D) No new departments were approved in the universities

(E) Hindi was made the optional medium of instruction besides local languages in all Indian universities

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (C) Only.

During the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India introduced several key reforms and development initiatives to enhance the quality and structure of higher education. Let's analyze the steps taken during this period:

1. Introduction of the three-year degree course (Statement A): The UGC recommended and facilitated the introduction of a standardized three-year undergraduate degree course across Indian universities to bring uniformity and structural reform to higher education.

2. Improvement in libraries and laboratories (Statement B): High priority was given to upgrading the academic infrastructure. The UGC provided financial assistance and grants specifically aimed at improving university libraries and scientific laboratories to foster a better research and learning environment.

3. Increase in the salaries of university teachers (Statement C): To attract and retain high-quality faculty, the UGC took steps to improve the service conditions of teachers, which included upgrading and increasing their salary scales.

Conversely, statements (D) and (E) are incorrect because the UGC did not restrict the approval of new departments, nor did it mandate Hindi as an optional medium of instruction in all Indian universities during this plan period. Therefore, only statements (A), (B), and (C) represent the actual steps taken by the UGC.