The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) is striking against the 28th August order of the Vice Chancellor (VC) which had rendered ad-hoc teachers jobless and demanding a one-time absorption of ad-hoc teachers.
The DUTA General Body Meeting (GBM) held today decided on the continuance of the indefinite strike of the teachers, with boycott of invigilation of the ongoing semester exams, evaluation, and all other official tasks to press for their demand of one-time regulation for the absorption of ad-hoc and temporary teachers on the basis of 200 point Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) roster.
According to the resolution of the GBM, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has conceded to the teachers’ demands, including the withdrawal of the 28th August University of Delhi Circular, release of additional posts for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation, and counting of past service as per University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2018. The ad-hoc teachers will continue on their positions till the permanent faculty is appointed.
But, the DUTA has also stated that it is unfortunate that the Government has not agreed to the absorption of ad-hoc and temporary teachers to end their exploitation and humiliation. The GBM has therefore decided to continue the movement to pursue this demand as well as others.
“While we welcome the fact that the HRD Ministry took cognizance of our issue and the agitating teachers got some relief, we will continue our protests in a peaceful manner,” Abha Dev Habib, Treasurer of the Union, said on Friday.
The DUTA GBM has agreed on a series of action programmes including the following to realise their motive:
1. Day-night dharna outside the VC’s Office.
2. Sunday, 8th December: “We and our Families” Public Meeting at the venue of the Dharna from 12 noon onwards where teachers and their families will narrate their stories.
3. Monday, 9th December: Sansad Chalo March to Parliament from Mandi House at 12 noon.
4. Tuesday, 10th December: Massive Rally at North Campus at 2 p.m.
In its resolution, the DUTA extended its congratulations to the teachers for their successful and unprecedented participation to express their agitation at the continuous hardships being faced by their ad-hoc colleagues.
The DUTA has said that apart from the agenda of absorption, they will continue their protests until the Kale Committee report be adopted and implemented in the University. The Union also demands that the UGC sanctions posts for self-financing courses and absorbs teachers working on these positions.
The DUTA also acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the various Student Unions’ of DU colleges for their support and stated that it ‘resolves to reach out to other students’ unions, the Delhi University and College Karamchari Association (DUCKU) and the general public in support of our demands.’
The DUTA also expressed its concern over the struggle against the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2019 and its ‘disastrous consequences for higher education’.
Feature Image Credits: Hindustan Times
Bhavya Pandey
Comments are closed.