The Government is committed to implement the semester system in the educational institutions across the country. Responding to questions in the Rajya Sabha today, the Human Resource Development Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, however, made it clear that the system will be implemented through persuasion. He said the Universities, which are autonomous bodies cannot be compelled to introduce the system. To a pointed question, the Minister said that he cannot give any time frame for universalisation of the semester system.<br/><br/>The HRD Minister said all the 16 Central Universities will implement the system. Giving details about the advantages of the system, Mr Sibal said it provides mobility for the students. He said based on the advice of expert bodies, the Central government and the UGC have encouraged universities to implement academic reform measures including the semester system. He said this system is followed world-over.<br/>