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12 State Government-Funded DU Colleges have been demanding a change in the pattern of assistance in the releasing of their funds. In the same regard, DU Administration wrote to Delhi Governent demanding that the government cannot change the pattern of assistance for the colleges that are bound to follow the UGC norms in this matter. 

On March 15th, the administration of the University of Delhi wrote to the government demanding that the government cannot change the pattern of assistance for releasing funds of its 12 fully funded colleges for they are bound to follow the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms in matters of budgeting and expenditure. The move comes in just a day before Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to meet the principals of the 12 colleges. The principals have been asked to produce details of appointments, and surplus funds available with them.

This battle for funds of these 12 state government-funded colleges with the Delhi government has been brewing for quite some time now with the colleges alleging that either the government had delayed the release of funds or provided “insufficient” funds. In its defence, the government alleged financial irregularities in these colleges claiming they had surplus reserves.

Two days prior to the move, a resolution was passed by the governing bodies of two of these colleges, Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and the Sports Sciences, and Maharishi Valmiki College of Education, stating that the release of grant-in-aid from the government will be carried out as per the pattern of assistance suggested by the Delhi Government, and not that of the UGC. 

In the same regard, countering the move, DU registrar Vikas Gupta said the Delhi government cannot change the pattern of assistance.

These colleges were established as per the norms of the UGC in 1997. All these years, the government has been providing funds to these colleges in line with the UGC norms. Now, they are saying they will decide their own assistance pattern… Also, college governing bodies cannot decide this matter on their own — they work under the control and supervision of the DU’s executive council. They are bound to follow the rules and regulations as prescribed by the executive council.

-DU Registrar, Vikas Gupta

Last December, the Executive Council passed a resolution in accordance to which the funds collected under different heads such as college development fund, hostel fund, student society fund, and admission process charges, can only be used for the purposes for which they were collected. However, the resolution passed by the GBs of the two colleges stated that the colleges can use “surplus grant in aid” drawn and available with them for purposes such as salary, allowance and other recurring expenses. It also forbids the colleges from undertaking any activity that entails a financial liability, such as making appointments, without taking prior approval from the Delhi government.

DU Dean of Colleges Balram Pani said the university on Monday wrote to the director,directorate of higher education, raising the issue.

The modification which has been processed by the directorate of higher education on a retrospective basis is against the law and has resulted in unnecessary and uncalled for panic and unrest among the academic fraternity in these colleges. Any attempt to curtail the autonomy and financial independence of these institutions will neither be a constructive step nor legally tenable as it would vitiate the act, statutes, ordinances, and guidelines of the University…

-DU Administration, in its letter to the director, directorate of higher education

DUTA (Delhi University Teachers’ Association), along with students and DUPA (Delhi University Principal Association) took out an “adhikar rally” from the office of DU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor to Delhi CM’s office, after submitting a memorandum with the chief ministers’ office over the alleged crises in these 12 colleges. 

 

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2020/10/du-adds-4000-seats-colleges-struggle-with-funds/

https://dubeat.com/2019/05/du-risks-fund-cuts-mou-still-not-signed/

 

Featured Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Annanya Chaturvedi

[email protected]

On a Women’s Day event organised by BSCEM, ABVP goons allegedly tore the posters at the site and attacked students. Labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur, Bilkis Dadi, as well as mothers of the Butana rape survivors, and the aunt of Gurhmandi rape victim were present at the celebration as speakers, which soon transformed into a site of terror. The police, allegedly, after mishandling students, detained three of them.

On 8th March 2021, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch (BSCEM) organised an event near the Arts Faculty, University of Delhi (DU) in order to encourage discursive voices of women who stood against fascist regimes, and to honour the families of rape survivors. The event was supposed to be an amplification of unheard voices and fight for deserved rights for women of caste, colour and sexualities, professions and was organised to draw people’s attention towards the brutal rape cases in Gurhmandi and Butana.

The event was being carried out as planned until 30-40 Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) goons disrupted the ceremony by removing posters, attacking the students and activists, and making sexist and homophobic comments on the women present in the event. 

One of the speakers present at the event was the Dalit labour activist Nodeep Kaur, who was recently released from jail after her arrest and alleged custodial torture. Nodeep was just about to deliver her address when the ABVP allegedly entered the scene and started inquiring about the organisers having valid permissions required for the event, post which they attacked the students. 

What came as a shock was the police, allegedly not doing much to stop the ABVP goons and sidelining with them, instead. The Bhagat Singh Chatra Ekta Manch (BSCEM) alleged, in a statement, that the ABVP members “tore the posters at the site and attacked the students”, while the Delhi Police remained “mute spectators”. The security of the university and police removed all the posters and mishandled women and people from marginalized genders. They could not control the ABVP goons but detained three student activists and forcefully removed the rest.

The ABVP members allegedly hit a student on the head with a stick. Other students have sustained physical injuries as well, the statement added. Former DUTA President, Professor Nandita Narayan, who was present there, was also roughed up by the police.

Delhi Police sources have, however, informed The Quint that no case has been registered yet. According to PTI, the Delhi Police has also claimed that it has not received any complaint from either side so far.

Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), led by the ABVP, issued a statement in the same regard, stating that men present at the event had “attacked” its joint secretary Shivangi Kharwal after she had inquired about the motive of the event.

On the other side of things, Kisan Morcha’s Legal cell member, Vasu Kukreja who was at present at the event to meet Nodeep, alleged that Kharwal had slapped him after he had tried to record the event with his phone. 

The BSCEM informed that following a protest outside the Maurice Nagar Police Station, the detained students were released.

 

Featured Image Credits: The Logical Indian

Annanya Chaturvedi

[email protected]

DU Beat spoke to many amazing women who had their hair trimmed short, and others who shaved them all off, in order to get an insight into their opinions and experiences.

Though the world has undoubtedly made progress, gender stereotypes still persist in the way you look, dress, and style yourself, for your choices are still enslaved to age-old socio-political oppression, including hairstyles, where the length of your hair determines the extent of your femininity. 

Shraddha Iyer, a second-year LSR student, cut 9 inches off her hair.

Most people expect a dramatic reason for why I cut my hair short. They asked me if I got dumped or how my parents ‘allowed’ it. Whereas, I cut it simply because I can – people need to stop assuming that every time a woman makes an unconventional choice, they are trying to make a statement. Also, it’s not a ‘boycut’. Please keep your gendering to yourself.”

What then becomes pertinent to understand, is that such attempts are not only directed at making a difference in the gender sphere but also in one’s way of living. Syeda Iram, another LSR student, chose to go bald because she didn’t like her mother telling her to take her hijab off.

I wanted to make her choose between a hijabi or a bald daughter. My mother saw me and she said, “Have you lost it?” I love styles that defy societal norms.

She was, however, conflicted because Islam prescribes women to avoid shaving their heads. She added,

If someone is considering shaving their head, do it! Beauty standards are fake products of capitalism. You’ll feel free.

And at the same time, for some, cutting their hair short may not be a strong leap for feminism, and can simply cut it because it’s their body. Bani Singh, an entrepreneur said,

To me, it is really amusing that every act of a woman is a form of rebellion or a statement in itself. I just find this the safest way to experiment with my hair, as opposed to using colour or other chemical treatments.

Aishwaryaa Kunwar, who shaved off her hair completely, two months back, also explained,

People would stare at me, trying to figure out which gender I’m from. I even remember some coming to me, and saying what I did was so courageous but here’s the thing: shaving your hair shouldn’t be gutsy but just normalised.

In the end, as long as you know opting for a certain thing is what’s right for you and your body, it’s solely your choice and nobody should or has a say in it.

Annanya Chaturvedi
[email protected]

On Friday morning, 5th March 2021, the CM of Punjab, Captain Amrinder Singh wrote to the Union Education Minister asking him to disaffiliate the SGTB Khalsa College from the Delhi University, and instead affiliate it to the Punjab University.

Earlier this week, the CM of Andhra Pradesh had also written to the Union Education Minister, asking him to affiliate Sri Venkateswara College to Andhra University. In a similar pattern, on 5th March 2021, the CM of Punjab has also urged the Union Education Minister to affiliate SGTB Khalsa College to Punjab University. CM had allegedly written that it would help strengthen the state’s higher education system, increasing the country’s education merit as a whole.

The government is all set to hold a round table meeting with the admins of all the universities involved to decide the fate of these colleges. However, nothing has been specified by the Delhi University’s administration or by the government regarding this matter.

I don’t even know how to react to this. It’s such an absurd idea. I don’t think the government or the DU admin should entertain these applications by inviting them for a round table meeting. I’ll not be surprised if the CM of Haryana claims Ramjas College next. What’s even more irritating is the fact that the DU admin is clarifying none of the details, no information or no official notice has been released to date.

Ashok Mehta, a professor from SGTB Khalsa College

Delhi University’s acting VC has assured the students to not panic and wait for the official decision. The students are actively staging protests against the administration. The student council of Khalsa College has called for a protest on Monday outside the college main gate. They also have plans to demonstrate outside the acting VC’s residence. Moreover, students from SVC are now protesting alongside the students from SGTB Khalsa College. They are boycotting classes, signing petitions and mailing the VC about their concerns.

Khalsa College has been affiliated to the Delhi University since 1951, from the very beginning. How can the Punjab Government expect Delhi University to give up one of its colleges to Punjab University? It just doesn’t make any sense. Moreover, there’s so much confusion about everything. Nobody has clarity over the issue.

Jashanpreet Singh, a third-year student from SGTB Khalsa College.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Read also- Bazinga: DU Declares DU Beat as its Official Newspaper

Featured image credits: Shiksha

Harsh Paliwal

[email protected]

DU announced the acquisition of DU Beat into its Department of Journalism. Read on as we talk to the Humans of DU Beat and gauge how they are responding to the change.

The Delhi University administration took everyone by surprise as they announced the merger of the student-run newspaper, DU Beat (DUB) into their formal structure. The decision was announced in a press conference by the acting Vice-Chancellor, P.C. Joshi. The process is expected to be finished by the end of March.

“DUB has become an indispensable part of campus life. Seeing them grow this far from a reader’s perspective makes me feel so proud. Kudos to the whole team,

says a Political Science student from Lady Shri Ram College.

Started in October 2007, DUB began as an independent newspaper covering the issues around campus. Over the years, the newspaper has grown manifold and emerged as a formidable voice of the youth.

 “DUB has successfully worked independently for 15 years and now we are pretty excited for this new direction we are taking under the aegis of the Department of Journalism, Delhi University. It will be interesting to work with the experienced members of the University and use the available resources to expand and grow. We have high hopes for the organisation and are confident about this new journey,”

said the Editor-in-Chief of DU Beat, Sakshi Arora .

The Department of Journalism, Delhi University is well-known across the lengths and breadths of the country for its superior quality of education and hands-on approach to education.

However, certain student groups were quick to raise questions about how this merger could potentially compromise the quality of journalism at DU Beat. The rationale behind the merger is to maintain a strong connection with the voice of the students to make the University a healthy and welcoming space for all. The varsity has decided to not intervene in the newspaper’s day-to-day functioning but will just provide the newspaper with the required resources and expertise.

Many within DUB themselves were startled by the development while others called it a manifestation that came true.

“We were very surprised when we heard this piece of news. I am glad that Delhi University has recognised our efforts as a student journalist platform. We are looking forward to this move!”

Said Saanjh Shekhar, Copy-Editor at DU Beat.

“DUB is truly the heartbeat of everyone in DU. From their sizzling purple posts on Instagram to their articles and reports, it has held us together for so many years. I have had the best experience working with it and this piece of news gives me joy. And I would say the recipe of it has been: hard work, perseverance, exotic ideas and content (and losing some sleep)!” 

Navneet Kaur, a correspondent at DU Beat.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2021/01/bazinga-du-makes-it-compulsory-to-hold-online-cultural-fests/

Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Mehul Joshi

[email protected]

As you enter college for the first time, you feel anxious about your old wardrobe. Read ahead for some fashion tips and tricks to overcome it!

As soon as you enter college, choosing the right clothes for your wardrobe becomes a challenge. School and wardrobe is however an oxymoron. What clothing details did we have in school for that matter? Only that monochromatic skirt, white shirt, or black/green pants. Thus, hating your old wardrobe in college is a natural emotion. But don’t throw everything away, just yet! Here are some tips for your wardrobe from a fellow DU student.

That Farewell Saree? Keep it.

Vani Vivek, Jesus and Mary College
Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

This one is for those who wore saree on school farewell for the first time: DU and sarees have a beautiful relationship. Sarees will become a quintessential clothing component of college wardrobe. Right from your college’s Diwali Mela to the traditional day of DU fest or your farewell. Saree will be needed a lot. So don’t discard either your annual function’s or farewell’s saree. You can rejuvenate it by wearing different blouses.

Treasure your MUN suits

MUN
JMC MUN
Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

If you have done debating and attended Model United Nations (MUN) conferences in school, those black, blue, navy and brown formals that you wore will be needed in college too. You may join the MUN circle of your college or simply sit in an internship interview. Thus, don’t fight with the formals that you already have. You can give them a new look by pairing them with new shirts, but keep the foundational suits intact.

The Delhi/DU Fad 

Image Credits: P.V Purnima for DU Beat.

As an outstation student, I was always anxious about what the “Delhi fashion” would be like. So as a first-hand note, I suggest freshers not to over-buy many things from their hometown. That’s because most clothes lose their shine amongst DU fashion. A better option is to only keep essentials like jeans, shirts, leggings, tops, etc. Rather buying things from local Delhi markets like Sarojini Nagar and that too at economical rates can prove to be more lucrative. Besides that, don’t fret too much over what people around you are wearing. Pick your own style.

Mix-Matching is the Key 

Image Credits: Namrata Randhawa for DU Beat.

Your war-peace relationship with your old wardrobe shouldn’t delusion you into believing that it’s not worthwhile. In college, people mostly do things in a DIY way. Someone will be seen wearing jhumkas with jeans. Others will be seen wearing saree with shoes. Yet it all looks beautiful. Thus, freshers, you shouldn’t be worried about investing in paired or expensive clothes. Just go about accessorising your outfits. If you have an old top, you can pair it up with new earrings that you can buy.

Footwear and Top Wear

Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Lastly, it’s advised that you beautify your college wardrobe by mostly investing in top or footwear. Top wear is one thing that catches everyone’s eyes just like your heels, sneakers, boots, etc. So keep your old jeans with you and try only buying new tops. That’s because only footwear and top wear undergo drastic fashion changes.

So if your little first-year tummy is getting anxious, ask it to calm down. College fashion is mostly flexible and you will find peace with your wardrobe easily!

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2019/09/auburn-umbrella-the-pervasive-print-culture/

Image Credits: Fabindia

Navneet Kaur 

[email protected] 

As you enter college for the first time, you feel anxious about your old wardrobe. Read ahead for some fashion tips and tricks to overcome it!

As soon as you enter college, choosing the right clothes for your wardrobe becomes a challenge. School and wardrobe is however an oxymoron. What clothing details did we have in school for that matter? Only that monochromatic skirt, white shirt, or black/green pants. Thus, hating your old wardrobe in college is a natural emotion. But don’t throw everything away, just yet! Here are some tips for your wardrobe from a fellow DU student.

That Farewell Saree? Keep it.

Vani Vivek, Jesus and Mary College
Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

This one is for those who wore saree on school farewell for the first time: DU and sarees have a beautiful relationship. Sarees will become a quintessential clothing component of college wardrobe. Right from your college’s Diwali Mela to the traditional day of DU fest or your farewell. Saree will be needed a lot. So don’t discard either your annual function’s or farewell’s saree. You can rejuvenate it by wearing different blouses.

Treasure your MUN suits

MUN
JMC MUN
Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

If you have done debating and attended Model United Nations (MUN) conferences in school, those black, blue, navy and brown formals that you wore will be needed in college too. You may join the MUN circle of your college or simply sit in an internship interview. Thus, don’t fight with the formals that you already have. You can give them a new look by pairing them with new shirts, but keep the foundational suits intact.

The Delhi/DU Fad 

Image Credits: P.V Purnima for DU Beat.

As an outstation student, I was always anxious about what the “Delhi fashion” would be like. So as a first-hand note, I suggest freshers not to over-buy many things from their hometown. That’s because most clothes lose their shine amongst DU fashion. A better option is to only keep essentials like jeans, shirts, leggings, tops, etc. Rather buying things from local Delhi markets like Sarojini Nagar and that too at economical rates can prove to be more lucrative. Besides that, don’t fret too much over what people around you are wearing. Pick your own style.

Mix-Matching is the Key 

Image Credits: Namrata Randhawa for DU Beat.

Your war-peace relationship with your old wardrobe shouldn’t delusion you into believing that it’s not worthwhile. In college, people mostly do things in a DIY way. Someone will be seen wearing jhumkas with jeans. Others will be seen wearing saree with shoes. Yet it all looks beautiful. Thus, freshers, you shouldn’t be worried about investing in paired or expensive clothes. Just go about accessorising your outfits. If you have an old top, you can pair it up with new earrings that you can buy.

Footwear and Top Wear

Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Lastly, it’s advised that you beautify your college wardrobe by mostly investing in top or footwear. Top wear is one thing that catches everyone’s eyes just like your heels, sneakers, boots, etc. So keep your old jeans with you and try only buying new tops. That’s because only footwear and top wear undergo drastic fashion changes.

So if your little first-year tummy is getting anxious, ask it to calm down. College fashion is mostly flexible and you will find peace with your wardrobe easily!

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2019/09/auburn-umbrella-the-pervasive-print-culture/

Image Credits: Fabindia

Navneet Kaur 

[email protected] 

On March 1st, the suspended Delhi University chancellor Yogesh Tyagi wrote to the institutional visitor, President Ram Nath Govind, alleging that his removal is being encouraged by some “elements” from the Union education ministry who are stimulating certain “extra-constitutional people” to support his removal on flimsy grounds. 

Tyagi has been under suspension since October 28, 2020, for charges of dereliction of duty. He would complete his tenure as the VC on March 11. He was on medical leave, prior to his suspension. 

He claimed in the letter that his suspension should be revoked on grounds of the inquiry conducted against him not being in accordance with norms. Raj Kumar Bhatia, the chancellor’s nominee to the Delhi University Executive Council has also written to the enquiry committee along with a copy marked to the visitor seeking Tyagi’s suspension ordered by the President to be revoked. In the same regard, he told TOI, “I can’t vouch for professor Tyagi’s letter.” But he admitted to his communication, which is in TOI’s possession. 

In his letter, Tyagi stated, “The education ministry officials have grossly failed to place before you the various provisions of the Delhi University Act, statutes, ordinances and regulations in their legal (and I would plead, moral as well) perspective as far as they pertain to the role and responsibility of the vice-chancellor personally. Also, some crucial provisions of the Act, statutes and ordinances have been altogether overlooked.” He went on to add, 

“The inquiry ordered against the vice-chancellor by invoking Section 7-A of the Delhi University Act is not in accordance with the law. A close perusal of Section 7-A would reveal that the inquiry prescribed under it is curative in nature. The vice-chancellor is expected to be in correspondence with the Visitor. He is not kept away from the University by the mechanism of suspension under presumption of guilt.”

-Yogesh Tyagi, in his letter to Ram Nath Govind

Tyagi also asserted in the letter how it is most uncharitable on the part of the administrating ministry to present before the visitor for approval events and situations, strikes and agitations – attributing them as personal failures of the vice-chancellor since those conversant with the dynamics of agitations, would no doubt, sympathise with the vice-chancellor. 

The sending of the letter was confirmed by a university official. However, there is no official confirmation or comment from Tyagi, yet. According to TOI sources, the education ministry has not received any communication from the President’s office about Tyagi’s letter. It is also expecting the inquiry committee to submit its report in a couple of days.

The Vice-Chancellor is not a civil servant and does not enjoy statutory security of service and that action against him cannot be taken as per civil service rules, Tyagi noted, adding, “I am prepared to put my papers if that brings some good and saves the energy of everyone to be devoted to the better cause of this great premier University, especially in its centenary year.”

Thus, he requested the President to hold an “appropriate inquiry lawfully in accordance with the Delhi University Act, 1922,” and to revoke his suspension and “reinstate me at the earliest possible”.

Featured Image Credits: The Logical Indian

Annanya Chaturvedi

[email protected]

We have curated just the perfect date for you under a reasonable budget, so get your perfect outfit and ask your favourite person out on a date already. And if you aren’t already dating, this may be the perfect sign for you to finally ask them out!

 We live in extremely uncanny times where the swipe and the hustle culture defines relationships and dating life. College years can be the most extraordinary experience of your life and for some, it becomes rather idyllic if you have someone to share them with and just explore random places, go on long drives, and watch pretty sunsets.

It’s time we move beyond Instagram filters and Snapchat streaks to explore the city with our favourite person. Street food dates, cafe dates, movie dates, park dates – it all works, right as long as you are with this one person who makes you feel out of this world.

1.No pressure, but the beginnings always set the mood for the rest of the day. And that’s exactly why you should start off with breakfast at Carnatic Café, Lodhi Road with their extensive breakfast menu at extremely reasonable prices. The lovely little place serves the most amazing filter coffee and a South Indian diet to keep you rejuvenated for the rest of the day.

Nearest metro station: Greater Kailash

Price per two people:  Rs. 300 (approx)

2. Head towards Lodhi Art district, grab Yulu bikes and ride across graffiti lanes and enjoy just the perfect colours of Delhi. Perfect for people who appreciate art or love to get photographed, its pop colours and abstract shapes would make you fall in love with Delhi (and who knows, maybe even your date) all over again!

Nearest metro station: JLN Stadium

How to Yulu? Download the app, locate one, scan the QR code, and ride along!

3. After enjoying your ride, head towards the famous Moolchand Paranthe Waala to get the best varieties of moist and flavoursome paranthas followed by their famous mango lassi in Lajpat Nagar for who doesn’t love yum food and a good laugh. The hot, greasy paranthas were apparently loved by the King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan who used to often enjoy them back in the day when he was in Delhi.

Nearest metro station: Moolchand

Price per two people: Rs. 100 to 200

Pro tip: Don’t spend forever deciding which paranthas to get, okayy!

4. Now head towards Bangla Sahib and grab your favourite kulhad wali chai with freshly made pakode and take a long walk across the place. After a tiring day, you’d instantly be replenished after entering its serene premises.

 Nearest metro station: Rajiv Chowk

5. The final stop would be Sunder Nursery where you can experience the beautiful sunset across the lake with your special someone! The place shuts down at 7 pm, so make sure you don’t miss out on this one. The two of you watching the sunset surrounded by trees, flowers, and all the other beautiful things in the world after a wholesome day out would just be the perfect idea to end your date with.

Nearest metro station: Lajpat Nagar

 

We know dates can get pretty overwhelming at times, but take this one day out just for yourself and for the person who makes you so happy. Follow our map but don’t forget to explore random places ‘cause those are the best ones. Talk your heart out, laugh unhesitatingly, make loads of memories, and be yourself in the most ‘you’ way possible. You got this!

 

Featured Image credits: istock

 

Annanya Chaturvedi

[email protected]

 Hridika Rao

[email protected]

The ongoing talks of Sri Venkateswara College being dismembered from DU and shifting its affiliation to AU have been in the headlines and a cause of concern for some time now. With DUTA officially siding with the SVC staff association in their resolve against the fragmentation of Delhi University and the ongoing protests by the student body, the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) as well, has released an official statement in solidarity with the fraternity of SVC, calling upon teachers and students to unitedly fight against NEP. 

DTF, in solidarity with the teachers of Sri Venkateswara College (SVC), expresses its concerns in synonymy with the latter’s protest against the attempts of the Andhra government to press for the merger of the college with Andhra University. DTF President Nandita Narain and Secretary Abha Dev Habib go on to shed light on how the excellence achieved by the college owing to it being a part of the University of Delhi (DU) must not be undermined. 

The Andhra government has made a plea to the Centre to amend the 2009 UGC order disallowing the jurisdiction of a university beyond the state by which it is established. DTF further goes on to point out how the move is driven by the host of steps taken recently as part of the government policy toolkit to acquire brand value through the ranking framework to be competitive in the market that would be determining for successful business in education. 

DU planning offshore campuses is driven by the same objective of reshaping itself as a business enterprise and has nothing to do with revamping education. The IoE scheme, which granted this freedom, for select universities had too narrow a base. The freedom to do business therefore has been extended to the management of every university and college under NEP 2020.

“This is also a forewarning of the dismemberment of colleges from Delhi University unless DU wants to make some wholly a part of itself and the college managements agree to cede powers to the BoG of Delhi University. The freedom granted to BoGs is unlikely to disallow takeovers, mergers and acquisitions.”

-Statement in Solidarity with the fraternity of SVC, DTF

Further outlining the existing laws to prevent such happenings and the effect NEP will have on them, DTF expresses its concerns on how the protections that we enjoy today from the UGC Act and DU Act from such takeovers will become a thing of the past as NEP gets rolled out. In particular, with the introduction of the provision under clause 19.2, “There shall be overarching legislation that will supersede any contravening provisions of other earlier legislation”.

In conclusion, DTF states that the Andhra Government need not plead any longer over any regulation for NEP’s “Light but Tight” regulatory framework will only require persuading the college management. The high ranking of the college will ensure such a possibility sooner than later.

“We fear that this move may be driven by and find support from the NEP recommendations to universities to have offshore campuses. The host of steps taken in the recent past as part of the Central Government policy is pushing institutions to acquire brand value through a specious ranking framework in order to be competitive in the market for edu-business.”

-Abha Dev Habib, Treasurer, DUTA

DU Beat reached out to the SVC Student Union in the same matter. The entire students and staff fraternity of SVC has been disheartened ever since the initiation of the move. The seriousness of the issue is what has brought the entire staff and students under a consensus who have been unitedly protesting against the move.

“Some prominent teachers of our college have offered to resign in case any of such development takes place. The Telugu students of our college are also not willing to get the college affiliated with AU, hence the issue of catering to the needs of Andhra students is not justified. The students, especially the first years are quite a bit disappointed with the move, and it is due to the ongoing COVID-19 protocols that we are unable to assemble inside the college campus to show our disregard. However, the students union on its part, started the protest on online platforms yesterday, and I was quite overwhelmed by the response that our struggle was addressed with.”

-Anand Devendran, Acting President, Students Union, SVC

The online Twitter storm, dated 25th February 2021 has been quite a success with students from other colleges joining in as well in large numbers. #Venky_belongs_to_DU and #VenkyIsDU have been trending ever since, thus bringing the required attention to the issue. “The level of support that we got yesterday has proved that the entire DU stands behind Venky and if the future developments are not in our favour, we will resort to physical dharna and protests. I want to reiterate that all the students and staff bodies are united against this move and we will ensure that SVC stays in DU only,” added Anand. 

 

Also read: 

https://dubeat.com/2021/02/duta-opposes-andhras-move-and-sides-with-svc-staff-association/

https://dubeat.com/2021/02/sri-venkasteswara-college-to-leave-du/

Featured Image Credits: Siksha

Annanya Chaturvedi

[email protected]