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Two Physical Education professors of the University have been caught up in a confused state regarding their retirement from their respective colleges.

In an odd display of authority, two professors of University have received letters from their respective principals declaring their retirement age to be 62, instead of the legally stipulated 65. The two professors are from University of Delhi’s Vivekananda College and Shyamlal (Evening) College.

Calling it out as harrassment of the two teachers in the varsity, members of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) held a ‘black flag’ demonstration on Wednesday, 1st May, which marked the University’s 97th foundation day. The abject lack of administrative intervention has proven problematic for the two professors whose jobs are in question.

The two associate professors of the Vivekananda and Shyamlal (E) College have received letters from the principals of these colleges informing them that they would be retiring at the age of 62 instead of 65, DUTA said. The matter has assumed utmost urgency as the professors concerned will attain this in May and July 2019, it said.

As declared by the DUTA to a national daily, failure to intervene in the matter by the administration, the University has failed to protect its own resolutions which determined that physical education teachers should be placed on the faculty roster. It also alleged that the principal of Vivekananda College misrepresented the college governing body’s instruction in the letter, stating that it had directed her to seek “legal opinion”, a claim refuted by members of the body, in a letter to the principal.

At the same time, DUTA has demanded withdrawal of these “illegal letters” and also the stepping down of the officiating principals of the two colleges.

Talking to DU Beat, Abha Dev Habib, a member of DUTA mentioned the historical background of Physical Education in its transition from a sports-related activities to a part of curriculum in the varsity. She says, “Initially, the university appointed Director of Physical Education. But the Executive Council’s resolution during the 1990s allowed them to be appointed as teachers. This is all being analysed restropectively now. The University of Delhi felt it had autonomy (financial and otherwise) to take decisions for the benefit of students. However, this autonomy is being overridden by the government, increasingly.”

She also talled about the retention of talent in the university in general. “The perspective about Physical Education has transformed over time. From being just a sports-related activity encompassing National Cadet Corps, and other related activities, it has now become an imperative part of the curriculum. It is being offered as a Generic Elective subject taught by teachers.” Notably, this transition has not come of its own accord. Various teachers across the varsity have been instrumental in this bringing about this change. Habib further adds, “The Vivekananda professor has been instrumental in establishing the department itself in the college. These teachers have given more or less 25-30 years to adjust the subject to the needs of the university. They have been entrusted with the duties of regular teaching staff and in all manners, they have performed in the capacity of regular teaching staff. You cannot devalue their contribution and ask them to leave abruptly. This argument then becomes about retaining, attracting, and accomodating talented minds in the faculty. Universities redefine. In redefining sports into curriculum, the government has actively introduced various policy changes. And to supplement to the best of everyone’s interest, the government should stand by its decisions.”

Meera Sood, an Associate Professor of Physical Education from Vivekananda College is one of the two professors affected by this unreasonable declaration. She says, “In pursuant of the EC’s resolution 127 dated 10th November 1990, all Directors of Physical Education were redesignated as Professors and given the same responsibilities and duties. The University Letter CB- III/ DPE/91, sent out to colleges on 16/01/1991 declared the same. The nomenclature changed and in that also our responsibilities as reinstated professors.” Madam Sood joined the Department of Physical Education at Vivekananda College in 1994. She mentions, “The principal is being highly unreasonable and discriminating in defining my responsibilities. She is bypassing the rules and regulations set by the university. I have been told that since I was appointed as a Director of Physical Education, I will be retiring at the age of 62. However, the new rules redesignated all Directors as Professors in colleges, which then implies that I shall be retiring at the age of 65.”

 

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat archives

 

Kartik Chauhan

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A ‘Bharat Bandh’ was organised on 5th March, Tuesday in protest against the 13 point roster system of teachers’ appointments and the Supreme Court order on tribal evictions. Various organisations, parties and leaders supported it.

Thousands of students, teachers, political figures and Dalit and Adivasi activists, among others, marched in different parts of the country demanding ordinances by the government against the 13 point roster system of faculty appointments and the recent Supreme Court order on evictions of tribal and forest dwellers.

5 March marked the one year anniversary of the 13 point roster system, the notification for which was first made by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on 5 March 2018, following an April 2017 order by the Allahabad High Court.

The 13 point roster system had been one of the major focal points of university protests over the last few months. Teachers and students alike had been protesting against the system, which was seen as a measure that could drastically reduce the number of SC/ST/OBC teachers in universities.

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) had held sustained protests over the last few weeks including organising a human chain, a candlelight vigil and a “total strike” demanding an ordinance by the government to restore the old 200 point roster system.

Another controversial issue had been the 13 February Supreme Court order directing the states to evict those tribals and forest dwellers whose claims over forest land were rejected as per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006. However, hearing pleas from the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry and the Gujarat government, the apex court put a stay on its order on 28 February. The initial order was expected to affect over 11 lakh tribals and forest dwellers.

Despite the stay, Dalit and Adivasi rights’ organisation – wary of the possibility that the stay order could get overturned – called for the Bandh, demanding an ordinance from the centre to protect their rights.

The call for the Bandh drew widespread support from various political parties. According to a press release made by DUTA on Tuesday, “prominent opposition leaders like Ali Anwar, Manoj Jha (RJD), Nilotpal Basu (CPI[M]), Kiran Walia (INC) etc” joined the association’s rally, which also “drew support from the Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party and Bhim Army.”

According to Times of India, Adivasi Adhikar Andolan, All India Ambedkar Mahasabha and Samvidhan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti were among the groups which had called for a march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Tuesday.

Other organisations like All India Forum for Social Justice, All India Forum for Right to Education, Krantikari Yuva Sangathan etc were also a part of the protests.

As reported by The Indian Express, Ashok Bharti from the All India Ambedkar Mahasabha said, “Most leaders except for (BSP chief) Mayawati have supported the issues we raised; there has been no statement from her or her party. If the government fails to bring in either of the two ordinances before the model code of conduct is announced, we will declare our further course of action.”

Several political leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Manoj Jha, Tejashwi Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan tweeted or gave statements backing the protests, the report also said.

‘#5MarchBharatBandh’ trended widely on Twitter with over 30 thousand tweets by the night of 4 March.

Responding to the protests, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday said, “Few groups have decided to agitate. I would like to assure them that they need not agitate, the government will do justice. We will bring the 200-point reservation roster and how we will do it will be clear within two days,” PTI reported.

Prior to this, the Supreme Court had rejected a special leave petition by the HRD Ministry against the Allahabad High Court’s order, following which it also dismissed a review petition filed by the Ministry.

The DUTA press release also mentioned that the association would await the government’s response and review its strike programme on 8 March, Friday.

Ms Abha Dev Habib, former Executive Councillor of Delhi University, while speaking to DU Beat, said, “It is important to have constitutionally mandated representation in teaching positions. Department-wise roster will mean that not only the first generation of teachers from ST/SC and OBC will be pushed out but also aspiring researchers and students will not find space in colleges and universities. This is so to keep them out from knowledge production and opportunity of leadership roles. The whole idea of reservation was to bring marginalised sections to the mainstream to strengthen democracy.”

Asked about whether the protests went as she had expected, Ms Habib said that she came back “full of optimism” as the “young are determined to fight for their rights!”

Feature Image credits – Abha Dev Habib, DUTA

Prateek Pankaj
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On one hand the inquiry on financial inconsistencies has been dropped off the teacher representatives, demand action from cop alleging harassment. Read on to find out more.

On 5th March the governing body of Kalindi College, decided to call off its inquiry against Principal Anula Maurya. This action has been taken as not a single response has been made to their reminders by the Delhi University (DU) Vice Chancellor, Mr. Yogesh Tyagi.

This inquiry had been set up as a result of the report by Comptroller and Audit General of India (CAG), in which it had found financial irregularities in Kalindi College’s audit. The governing body’s Chairman Mr. Deepak Marwah has said that despite having sent five reminders over twenty days, regarding the inquiry, the Vice Chancellor has not reacted. And due to political pressure, this matter cannot be figured out.

Mr. Saikat Ghosh, a member of Academic Council, Delhi University commented, “The Kalindi College GB’s abrupt decision to withdraw the inquiry against the Principal is puzzling and shows that the DU administration is unwilling to follow a transparent and due process of examining financial misdemeanour. The teaching community insists on due process and the Principal should not fear an impartial inquiry to establish facts. If she is not guilty, she will come up clean. But to abandon procedures and politicise a routine matter of inquiry when the GFR rules are flouted, is setting a very dangerous precedent for a public institution.”

Rajesh Jha, Executive Council Member of DU Teachers’ Association on commenting on DUTA protesting the inquiry said, “At the time we got to know the GB acted in arbitrary manner, we opposed it. We stand for transparency and accountability, no one should be subjected to such arbitrary decisions. We are not in banana democracy, due procedure in such situations such be followed, and we will have no objection.”

While the members of DUTA protested, the GB members alleged that they were harassed which ended with the Chairman filing a complaint. The teacher representatives wrote a strong worded letter to the top cop stating how a humiliating and an abusive environment was created making them feel harassed and threatened. They further stated that while the police have not seized the CCTV footage, this important piece of evidence could easily be tampered with. Principal Anula Maurya could not be contacted to comment on the developments of this incident.

Image Credits: DU Beat archives

Shivani Dadhwal

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The governing body of Kalindi College, sent its Principal on a forced leave last Wednesday after discrepancies were found in the audit by CAG which was followed by a protest from DUTA.

The Comptroller and Audit General of India (CAG) found financial irregularities in the audit of Kalindi College and the governing body forced the Principal to go on a leave to conduct a proper uninfluenced investigation. The governing body said that they just wanted to conduct a deeper investigation in the matter and wanted the investigation to proceed uninfluenced and that was the reason for sending the principal on a forced leave.  As soon as the incident took place the Delhi Union Teachers Association (DUTA) reached the college and protested against the action and demanded immediate solution regarding the forced leave. The teachers argued that there was no such financial irregularity.

Rajib Ray, President of DUTA, speaking to DU Beat said “I reached the college at around 8 in the evening and we impressed upon the governing body that in such matters they can’t remove any teacher (Principal included) as it did not fall under their domain. They could set an investigation for facts finding and then if facts support the decision they have to report to the university and then only can such an action can be taken. The governing body realised their mistake and the decision was reversed. Ordinance 18 is to be followed in matters like these where a prima facie committee is formed and only if the committee finds any discrepancies after initial investigation the governing body can request the University to take actions like sending a teacher on a forced leave.”

The teachers’ deny of any irregularity in the financial audit and stand firm that whatever happened was wrong. The Principal Ms. Anula Maurya could not be reached for a comment on the incident.

 

 Feature Image credits: DNA India

Aman Gupta

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Students, teachers, organisations and unions marched in solidarity to protect Public-funded higher education. The march was led by DUTA along with various other organisations.

On the 19th of February, the People’s March organised by Joint Forum for Movement on Education, led by Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA), Federation of Central Universities’ Teachers’ Associations (FEDCUTA), and Delhi University Karamcharis Union (DUCKU), shook the national capital.

The march started at 11 AM from Mandi House and reached Parliament Street by 12:30. Seas of red, white, chants of azadi echoed as students, teachers, unions and organisations joined the march to protest the commodification of public funded higher education, the 13-point roster system and the current state of ad-hoc professors in public universities.

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The march was also supported by All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Federation (AISF) and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS).
2019 has seen repeated strikes by the DUTA, on asking professors about their struggle, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Zakir Husain Delhi College says, “We have come here under the fraternity of DUTA. The media has also turned a blind eye to our movement. We want justice, not just for our students but those who will be joining universities in the future.”

Professors from across Delhi University marched in solidarity. The staff associations of Lady Shri Ram College for women, Acharya Narayan Dev College and Zakir Husain Delhi College were also present.

“These protests aren’t the longest in DUTA’s history. The political events in the country have built up to the present scenario. Over the last 10 years, the MHRD has brought forth multiple changes like the annual system, FYUP and finally CBCS. With these abrupt changes,the teachers have finally realised that this is an attempt to dismantle public-funded education. It’s no longer about ‘privatization’ of education but ‘commodification’. There is an attack on pensions, teachers aren’t regularised, there are talks of getting teachers on a contract basis, financial grants have been taken away and replaced with education loans. All these are setting the conditions for the state to withdraw and capital to move in. We can’t fight just for DUTA’s demands if we don’t fight for commodification of education.” adds Mukul Mangalik, an Associate Professor of History from Ramjas College.

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The march saw student and teacher unions and organizations from across the country, many of them chanted slogans in their regional languages. The spirit of resistance surpassed linguistic boundaries and was united with a common cry for azaadi.

Non- teaching staff were present at the protest too. The non-teaching staff of Kuvempu University, Shimoga, Karnataka gathered to protest for equal salaries, permanent jobs and changes in the hierarchical order.

Demonstrators formed small groups of their own while chanting the slogans, students of Ramjas College took to art to resist. They drew ‘Save Education’ and ‘Knowledge is for all’ graffiti on the ground with chalks.

A counter- protest started on the other side of the barricade. Demonstrators with the Indian Flag and posters saying ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ gathered on the other side of the barricade. The posters were soon taken down but the flags remained. Police surrounded the barricaded area. There were no attempts to barge in or counter-sloganeer from either side.

Image Credits: Adithya Khanna, Aakarsh Gupta and Jaishree Kumar for DU Beat.

Jaishree Kumar
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The recent strikes by the University ad hoc teachers still go unheard as the University approves contract hiring of teachers for vacancies.

The 17 th January march by Delhi University Teachers’ Association(DUTA) at Ram Lila grounds sems to turn unfruitful as the University approves the contractual hiring of teachers after introducing ordinance XII E, enabling the hiring of contract-based lecturers who will be employed for vacancies spanning one year. This was passed with a provision to have 10 percent of the permanent positions as contractual appointments.

DUTA conducted a long march on the 17th January 2019 from Ramleela Maidan to Parliament Street in lieu of the several demands placed by them, including the proper absorption of the ad hoc and temporary teachers through a one-time regulation into the university, the resolution of the reservation issue through an ordinance and the restoration of the 200 point roster which the Supreme Court set in July 2018 which treats university/college as a unit. This became necessary after the recruitment policy in the University observed a halt on account of a letter drafted by the University Grants Commission, dated 5th March 2018 which asked the colleges to implement reservations by considering the subject as a unit, resulting in a significant reduction in the jobs for the reserved castes.

The DUTA strikes have been an ongoing struggle as protests began on 2nd January 2019, when the professors across Delhi University agitated against the unavailability of permanent positions, pensions, and maternity leaves for the ad hoc teachers. Such demonstrations and protests have been witnessed in the past too, but to no avail. The strike had more than five thousand people, including the teachers and students as active participants. The march was initiated from Zakir Hussain College at 11 AM and continued to Ramleela Maidan and Parliament Street. The protestors were detained by the police and lathi charge was issued on them, leading to many teachers and students suffered injuries.

The introduction of the contractual appointment as a response to the Ministry of Human Resources Development in these teaching positions will not lead to any substantial benefi, as it will create a feeling of insecurity among the ad hoc teachers who are already agitating against their lack of employment privileges.

In response to the past happenings, Professor Rajib Ray, President of DUTA, in his interview to The Tribune commented, “We hold the Vice-Chancellor squarely responsible for the complete administrative paralysis and subversion of the statutory bodies in the University and demand that he should act or go.”

The present situation still does not have any tangible outcomes, despite the active protests. The University has not issued any recent statement on the same issue, providing a bleak future to the entire agitation.

Feature Image Credits: Aakarsh Gupta for DU Beat.

Avnika Chhikara

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Exploring the history of the events that triggered the ongoing unrest within DU’s academia.

In October 2017, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had introduced rules, making reservation applicable at the department level instead of university level. The UGC rules had followed an Allahabad High Court order of April 2017, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The High Court had struck down a UGC circular on institution-wise quota to fill vacant Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) posts, pointing out that there were departments without any SC/ST teachers. The new UGC rules had led to widespread protests across universities with professors, and critics saying that such a move will deprive many reserved candidates of their jobs.

In March 2018, UGC issued a fresh order with new clauses that asked for a roster system, sparking an instant backlash in the university system. Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) said that, till now, the UGC had specifically prohibited the practice of making department-wise cadres, as that would lead to the denial of reservation in small departments. In June 2018, DUTA organized ‘satyagraha’ amid reports of autonomisation of the University of Delhi (DU), by calling off the evaluation for this semester’s examination papers. Members cited this move as ‘anti-education, and anti-people policy pronouncements of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development.’ In particular, the teachers were strongly opposed to the 30%-70% funding formula, the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) requiring steady increase in students’ fees, graded autonomy, and the scheme of autonomous colleges. The DU administration later via a press release pleaded teachers to start the evaluation soon. In response to the ongoing protest about reservation roster, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) drafted a bill that stipulates for the maintainence of the vacancy roasters university wise at all centrally funded higher education institutions to implement reservation of faculty members in November 2018.

In December 2018, agitation with respect to the government’s failure to implement the Seventh Pay Commission in totality for universities translated into more protests. The notification for implementation of revised allowances, and pensions, consequent to the Seventh pay Commission, and disbursal of the required funds for its implementation are still pending, according to the memebers of the DUTA.

In January 2019, a two day shutdown was triggered by the Vice Chancellor’s (VC) refusal to table the report of the Recommendation Committee constituted to review the UGC gazette notification related to teachers’ service conditions. Dr. Rakesh, a member of DUTA spoke to DU Beat. He said, “VC has launched new terms to count the served time period, which harms us. He hasn’t enforced the UGC guidelines, which relieves the ad hocs.” Thousands of teaching, and nonteaching permanent posts remain vacant, while teachers and karamcharis have been working on ad hoc posts for many years. Ad hoc teachers lack job security, and employment benefits. They demand regularisation, and absorption of temporary, and ad hoc teachers. They also accused the government of sweeping the reservation roster issue under the rug, owing to their silence on the matter. Dr. A.M. Khan, a member of DUTA, expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry, VC and the Government, saying, “There were very high hopes with regard to the new government, but unfortunately the opposite happened. Thus, everyone is on the streets today”.

Feature Image Credits: Aakarsh Gupta for DU Beat.

Nikita Bhatia

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The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) held an Executive Meeting on Saturday, 12th January 2019.

The resolution for the same is a comprehensive account of the crisis being confronted by the teachers of the University in lieu of the Central Government’s withdrawal of government funding from public-funded universities. This was termed as a “highly misguided policy” and “commercialisation of higher education”. This has led to a delay in the announcement of revised allowances and pensions of teachers. The exploitative conditions in terms of long working hours and lack of job security and employment benefits for ad hoc teachers have also contributed to the rage and unrest among teachers.

In addition, DUTA has also directed rage and disappointment against the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Delhi, and condemned him for his inaction and lethargy in carrying out timely appointment procedures for teachers. They expressed strong criticism towards the VC for capitulating to the Government’s agenda by not even allowing the tabling of the report of the sub-committee set up to facilitate the adoption of the UGC Regulations 2018. Owing to the same, several young ad hoc teachers had declared a hunger strike in effect from 4th January 2019, which has now continued for nine days in the blistering cold.

In the resolution dated 12th January 2018, the DUTA has declared solidarity with the teachers on hunger strike, and has demanded that the Government bring in a one-time Regulation for the absorption of temporary and ad hoc teachers. They have proposed a one day strike and dharna at Gate No.1, DU to highlight their demands for the re-convening of the adjourned meeting of the Academic Council. They have also announced an immediate action programme of One Day Strike along with a Long March to MHRD on 17th January 2019.

Emphasising that these consequences emanating from a reduction in Government funding will soon affect the students as well, and has called for support by all sections of the university community, including and especially students.

Feature Image Credits: The Indian Express

Nikita Bhatia

[email protected]

 

A first hand account of Dr. Asha Devi, an ad hoc professor at Hindi Department of Aditi Mahavidyalaya. She talks about the difficulties ad hoc teachers have been facing for over two decades. 

“I joined the University of Delhi (DU) as a lecturer in Aditi Mahavidyalaya in1996 on ad-hoc basis. I used to change three buses to reach the college since it was two hours away from my residence.  With a Doctorate in Hindi, double Masters in Hindi, and Mass Communication, I was sure that I’ll soon get a permanent job in the University. I was also the Class 12th topper in Hindi in CBSE Examinations, 1985. I still have the journal where my interview was published. Even at that time, I had said that I wanted to be a lecturer when I was asked about my goals.

I did my Bachelors, Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D in Hindi from DU. I cleared NET with JRF in 1991 in the first trial. In 1999, my daughter was born, and being an ad-hoc I wasn’t given maternity leave. I was thrown out of my job but I did not lose hope. I continuously kept teaching in various colleges of the University as a guest lecturer, and even agreed to give a single lecture a week. In 2001, the interviews for permanent posts of faculties were conducted in Aditi Mahavidyalaya. I wasn’t selected despite a good interview because the already appointed lecturers were given preferences. I joined Aditi Mahavidyalaya again in 2002, again on an ad hoc basis. In 2004, the interviews for permanent posts were conducted again, but due to nepotism, I was thrown out from my job for the third time. Even now, when I think about the 2004 interview, I feel extremely miserable, helpless, and depressed. The thought that someone else took my job because they had better contacts and money than me still haunts me.

Since then, I have been filling the application forms for other colleges of DU spending around INR 500 to INR 1000 on each form. Every year, thousands of applicants fill these forms, but the interviews never take place. If they do, I for sure never get selected, despite proper experience, and qualifications. I taught in a private university for a year where my salary was even lesser than what I used to get in DU.

Since I have been teaching in Aditi Mahavidyalaya for long, it feels like my second home. However, there is still a fear that this home will never accept me completely, and would throw me out. My daughter is pursuing her graduation from Miranda House. She often asks me to join her college, but it is not that easy. I can only dream of teaching as a permanent faculty. Every four months, I have a weird feeling in my gut which leaves me wondering whether I’ll get the letter this time or not. I am the sole bread earner of the family. I have two kids, and less money to spend on their education. I am under many loans. I want to make sure that they don’t suffer because of the system, like I have.

One thing I am sure of is that is I know my job very well. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been teaching for 20 years. Since 1996, I have also been the in-charge of many committees, and societies of Aditi Mahavidyalaya. I was the convener of NCC for nearly six years. I used to be given tasks to take the NCC students for outdoor camps. If I were so impotent, who would assign me tasks like these?

Sometimes, students of other disciplines tell me that they want to attend my lecture. This makes my day. Whatever happens in college affects me a lot. I tell my daughter everything that happens in a day. It occupies a huge part of my life. It’s too late for me to learn something new, and start all over again. All I want to ask is: What is my fault?, The fact that I didn’t give in to the system or, deserved to be treated fairly.

Feature Image Credits: Dr. Asha Devi

After a UGC circular that hinted at bringing the University of Delhi under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) gained much criticism, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) issued a clarification and refuted the speculation. 

The clarification came out with a tweet by Mr. R. Subramanyam the Secretary of Higher Education. His tweet said that the idea to ban strikes in the examination services came from some affected students during the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) strike, however, the ministry has decided not to proceed with the suggestion after examining it.

MHRD Minister, Mr. Prakash Javadekar, also tweeted that the Ministry does not intend to put any restrictions on universities, however, he didn’t pointedly comment on ESMA.

The Essential Services Maintenance Act is an act of parliament which has been established to ensure the delivery of certain services such as public transportation, sanitation and health services so that they are not affected during strikes. 

The move to include DU under the ambit of ESMA has come as the University witnessed a prolonged evaluation boycott twice in the past two years. In 2016 DUTA had boycotted the evaluation for 55 days in protest against the changed workload condition. This year witnessed another boycott for over 40 days in protest of the recent schemes of government such as autonomy, change in roster policy, etc.

The implementation of the ESMA implies that the teaching, as well as the non-teaching staff and students, will be prohibited from indulging in actions that will disrupt and affect activities in the University. A seven-member group had been formed earlier this month to submit a report within thirty days as MHRD directed for a committee to examine the feasibility of bringing the teaching and evaluation methods of a university under ESMA.

ESMA has received criticism on behalf of many, especially the Federation of Central University Teachers’ Association when their former president, Aditya Narayan Mishra, stated that the MHRD’s new order was an attack on the debate, discussion as well as the spirit of enquiry and scholarship. There has been widespread criticism of ESMA for some of its clauses. According to the Clause (VIII) of ESMA, it states that anybody can be arrested for investigation even without a warrant.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

With inputs from India Today.

Avnika Chhikara

[email protected]