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Rise in Threats Amid DUSU Elections – AISA Activist Abducted and Attacked

By DU Beat September 18, 2023

The arrival of DUSU campaigning has heightened the tension in the University campus. Several reports of misconduct and threats have surfaced on the internet, posing a risk to the safety of regular students and residents.

On Saturday, September 16th, the AISA (All India Students’ Association) stated ‘outsiders’ had been spotted within the university campus and that a student had also been attacked. Aman Rawat, an activist for AISA, was allegedly confused for another candidate, Aditya Singh, and was abducted, threatened, and physically assaulted by some strangers, according to a video clip the organisation uploaded on social media.

Aman, an AISA activist and a law student, was approaching the traffic circle near Daulat Ram and Ramjas College when he was confronted by a group of unknown people. Aman can be seen in the video discussing the incident and mentioning how he was threatened, saying, ‘They recognized me as an ASIA Activist and started beating me, they warned me that AISA activists should stop campaigning or else they will face the same thing.’ He further said that those who attacked him realized they had confused him for Aditya Singh, the candidate for secretary from AISA. However, they continued to assault him.

He was brought to a Black SUV car that was covered in ABVP posters, and that’s how we found out who is behind this because we can’t identify these outsiders who are doing campaigning for ABVP in the campus.” – Anjali, AISA DU secretary.

Anjali adds that this is not the first time their student activists have faced threats. “Numerous incidences involving intimidation of students at various colleges have taken place, particularly of female candidates who receive texts even on Instagram.

Additionally, she emphasizes one of AISA’s key goals, which is to protect the gender minority and particularly prevent trespassing and harassment events that frequently happen at females’ institutions like IPCW and Miranda. One of their demands in this regard is for a gender sensitization community against sexual harassment. The student organization calls for a campus free from danger and fear.

While the organization has filed an official complaint in the nearby police station, they are dissatisfied with how the administration and police refuse to take the appropriate actions.

This incident is not the only one; a third-year student was seen in another social media video with what appeared to be a gun during campaigning at Kirrori Mal College. According to a statement made by the student group, neither the college security nor the police took any legal action against the offender.

According to The Indian Express, the principal of the institution, Dinesh Khattar, stated that the gun-like device was a lighter and was in the possession of the proctorial board. Additionally, he assured that the students will face harsh punishment.

AISA, however, asserts that the student is an ABVP member. Aiyesha Khan, the AISA candidate for president, states in a video released on their Instagram account that there has been an upsurge in these kind of incidents across the university’s campus and in the surrounding areas.

The campus has been hijacked by outsiders, and there have been cases of assault and intimidation since the beginning of the DUSU elections. While preaching about free and fair elections, the University and Delhi police refuse to take proper action.” – Ayeisha Khan in the Instagram video clip posted by AISA.

There are alleged violations of the election rules and outside involvement, according to numerous student groups. Several acts of violence were reported during the elections in 2019 as well. The student groups argue that the ABVP maintains musclemen to threaten their activists. On the other hand, the ABVP has denied these accusations.

The campus stays crowded and tense as the election approaches, with roads covered in pamphlets and candidates passing in convoys. With the increase in these instances, there is growing concern about student safety, particularly for female students, and the security of women-only spaces.

In all, many groups demand quick and strong action against such mistreatment and violence in the university, as well as an election free of muscle and money.

Additional Source – https://www.newsclick.in/delhi-university-student-activist-explains-why-dusu-election-matters

Image Credits – Google Images

Priya Agrawal

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Campus Central

Spot Round Registrations Begin, Admission Process Explained

By DU Beat September 3, 2023

According to the official schedule, registration for Spot Round began on 29 August at 5 pm via the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) Portal under the ongoing admission process for Delhi University.

Delhi University administration started the registration for Spot Round of undergraduate admissions. Students can register on the admissions website, admission.uod.ac.in.

In the spot admissions round 1, declaration of allocations was done on 1^st September (5 pm), and candidates will have time till September 3, 4.59 pm to accept the allocated seats.

Following that colleges will have time from September 2 (10 am) till 4.59 pm September 4, to verify and approve online applications. Last date for online payment of admission fees is scheduled for September 5, 4.59 pm.

The steps for application process include first visiting the official website, admission.uod.ac.in. Then by clicking on the UG admission 2023 link, the page will be redirected. The next step is to fill in all the requirements, incorporating all personal details and educational qualifications. Next review the application and pay the application fee. Finally, submit the application and download the application for future use.

“In its first round, a total of 202416 eligible candidates were considered for allocation based on their preferences of programme and college combinations. A total of 85853 allocations have been done in the First CSAS round itself. This includes an allocation to all programmes in all colleges in UR, SC, ST, OBC(NCL), EWS and two supernumerary quotas, PwBD and Kashmiri Migrants. As many as 7042 candidates got their first preference. About 22000 candidates have been allocated a seat from their first five preferences.” -ANI Report

During the first round seat allotment round, over 3,04,699 students registered the CSAS 2023 portal, among those, 2,45,235 students submitted their CSAS DU 2023 application form and 59,464 didn’t submit their application forms.

Image Source: Business Today

Aanya Mehta

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Campus Central

Hill vs Valley: Humanitarian Catastrophe through the Eyes of Manipuri Students

By Guest Writer June 21, 2023

Trigger Warning – Sensitive content with mentions of Rape and Abuse

On 3 May 2023, an ethnic clash erupted in India’s north-eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei people, the majority of whom live in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal group hill areas, which includes the Kuki and Zo peoples. Many houses and vehicles were burned while many people are forced to leave their homes with their livelihoods destroyed.

As the ethnic hostilities in Manipur enter their second month, the situation is far from normal. The state is still experiencing violence and terror, with over 50,000 people driven out and 100 people dead. The state, which was once known as the ‘jewel of India’ because of its stunning beauty and beautiful environment, is now making headlines due to the Hill-Valley Divide. Crimes against humanity are on the rise, with people getting targeted purely on the basis of their identity, with no fault of their own.

In times of turmoil, there is also a spark in protests, candle marches, and awareness campaigns about the issue. Such efforts are particularly undertaken by the youth and student community, who are consistently attempting to raise knowledge about the issue.

Thousands of such students from the north eastern states attend Delhi University, and the city itself is home to many others who travel in pursuit of a better life and possibilities. With rising atrocities back at the home state, people here in Delhi are also at a greater risk of attack.

One such instance happened in May 2023.

A group of Kuki students were followed and attacked by a group of 30 other students who identified themselves as belonging to Meitei community.

–according to source

Students from both communities have expressed similar safety worries, leading to a number of peaceful protests in Delhi. These gatherings are intended to provide a safe setting for students to discuss their traumas and experiences, as well as connect with the entire Delhi University circle in order to obtain additional support and aid as needed.

As a result, it’s vital that we give safe platform to these students so that they can share their voices and also raise awareness. While one might search up political data, lookup the main cause of the entire issue on the internet, but this is Manipur Violence from the perspective of those who have experienced the horror firsthand.

This is about their journey and individual experiences.

I’ve been preparing for UPSC for the last two years; I was set to give the paper this time. When the clashes happened, I came to Delhi as it was my center for exams. But I was constantly worried about my family and people who were back at home. I couldn’t sleep the night before my exam. Just hours later, I received the message from our villagers, that they failed to defend our village. When we left our village we did not even take a blanket, our cattle was still there, we had hopes of returning some day! But I missed my UPSC paper while my home was burned down in Manipur

– A former student of Delhi University and a native of Manipur.

We were able to identify numerous issues through our talks with Manipuri students. It also gives rise to many questions in our mind regarding the whole situation. We tackled these curiosities during our conversation.

To begin, know that the entire northeast India is not a demographically and ethnically homogenous region, it has its own fair share of differences and diversity.

Just like north India has Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, is it possible to club them to one? The answer is no. In the same way north east cannot be clubbed together as one. The culture, the food, the language and art of every state differs greatly in the north eastern region too. People since years have been making the mistake of generalizing all the states making assumptions on how we look

– A post graduate Manipuri student from DU.

It was also revealed that ethnic discrimination, scams and derogatory name-calling are also rampant in Delhi.

Rickshwalas used to quote a higher price than the common pricing when I was new to the city. They think I’m a foreigner who doesn’t speak the language because of my appearance, so they can simply cheat me. I learned to ignore it over time, but such treatment makes us feel different in our own nation.

– A fresher from the state of Manipur.

People are always surprised with my fluency in Hindi, and because I don’t have typical features that usually north-east Indians have, people again find it hard to believe that I come from North-east region.

– A student from Assam.

Hearing such incidents reveals how deeply rooted this mistreatment is in our ideas and behaviour. Furthermore, these students suggested to their friends that removing assumptions and bias and just asking questions about their state and culture is an excellent way to help people feel at ease rather than striking up dialogues that are full of assumptions.

Secondly, it is crucial to understand and know how the various communities interacted in the state of Manipur. What, for example, triggered this abrupt violence and the divide between two populations that had previously coexisted peacefully? Or is this simply the culmination of the separation and discrimination that existed between the two tribes?

We got conflicting answers for this – It can be observed that some people reminisce about the peace and harmony they shared in their daily lives while others locate us to the issues simmering on the back burner.

We mingle together but there was always some kind of divide that I felt while growing up, this was specially in the case of language for me.

– A first year Manipuri student from DU.

The source emphasized in this conversation how language was a big issue because kids in Manipur had to learn many languages including their mother tongue, Hindi, English, and in certain cases Manipuri if that was not spoken by their tribe. The students describe it as a “pressure that they had to deal with their entire primary school life.”

We were always proud of the unity shared between the two communities, in school we would dress up in our traditional attires and celebrate each other’s festivals, It was something we cherished. After the violence started, it created gaps in our personal bonds as well. My friend from the other community, we don’t even talk these days. It is definitely different now. I don’t know if it will ever be like old days.

– A research student from DU.

This discourse, on the other hand, provides a viewpoint of ‘unity in variety,’ in which some people cherished their shared culture and customs by not letting their differences infiltrate. However, the fallout of the ethnic confrontations has disrupted the formerly shared unity. At this point, one could ask if life will ever return to normal in either of these communities, or if the conflict will leave its terrible imprint.

When it comes to the clash, ever since the ethnic riots began, there have been new concerns among both populations and the students we questioned discussed how the word used to describe them is not only offensive but rather an “attack on their identity,” as one source put it.

For instance, Kuki students expressed their displeasure with the harsh labels being used to describe them – including ‘illegal immigrants’ and ‘armed terrorists’.

My grandfather and father served in the Indian army; they are very much Indian and love their country, but they are now being targeted as foreigners and asked to leave the state.

– a former student of DU.

Such anecdotes make one wonder if terms like ‘Illegal immigrants’, ‘terrorists’ and ‘outsiders’ should be used loosely in extremely sensitive situations like this one or if questions of citizenship supersede considerations of humanity and respect towards communities?

Not only students, but intellectuals all around the country, have been arguing against the injustice of using such labels against a group. There has been recent news of illegal migration into the states of Manipur and Assam from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar, but students believe that this issue should be handled cautiously rather than aggressively. Meanwhile, the government can create preparations to protect its national interests and borders, but we must all be mindful of the language we use to communicate with one another.

While people are being target solely on the basis of their identity, crimes against Women and children are also rising, and thousands are being driven from their homes. There is no bitterness between Kuki and Meitei students in any of our talks with them. Everyone wants solutions to their problems and for this mayhem to end. Nevertheless, what we noticed was that they cared most for the lives of innocent people.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back to the place where so many were murdered. I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive.

– A student from Manipur

The education of the children is at risk and even those who are unaffected and safe are under emotional stress as a result of what they see on the news every day. I have no harsh thoughts towards my friends from the other community, but I’m concerned about what will happen if the situation does not change.

– A student from the north-eastern community.

This section of our discussions gets us to a place where we all reflect on how the differences have taken a nasty turn, and there is now a larger concern about implications of these fights. The once insignificant division has now penetrated people’s lives, hurting not just their livelihoods including safety and education, but also their mental health. Trauma and fear are significant obstacles that many people are still unable to overcome.

Previously, seeing someone from my state gave me a sense of familiarity and comfort, but now I’m not sure if the stranger I’m gazing at is from my community or not. I’m worried about my safety. Now, there’s a sense of fear.

– a fresher from DU.

While Manipur continues to seek hope and peace, Manipuri students are dissatisfied with how the mainstream media has failed to report the situation fairly and how many people have remained silent on the subject. They are concerned that the false narratives disseminated by the media channels will worsen the situation. Not only this, but also sharing information which is not based on facts is harmful to both the communities. Anyone on the internet searching and reading on this subject has to use the sources very wisely. ‘Misinformation is our biggest enemy in such times’, as stated by one of the students.

We have been organizing peace talks and discussions in the campus regarding the issue and I also frequently post on social media which I feel is very important to do in order to educate people who don’t know what is going on in Manipur. For all outsiders – We don’t want you to be ignorant about the issue. What we need the most right now is to support us and listen to us. Simply reaching out to and making an effort to understand the situation will help us a lot.

– a post-graduate Manipuri student from DU.

Land, demography, the fight for ST status, development inequity, and the complexity of who is truly on the receiving end are all issues that have multiple answers. There’s a Kuki and a Meitei version!

We don’t know what will happen next, but there’s a lot more at stake than just land: personal relationships, lives, scenic beauty, resources, the economy, and, most importantly, humanity. Regardless of differences, what everyone shares is a sense of hope and the need for peace. History has shown that in times of crisis, kindness has always helped people endure the storm. Whether it’s the Covid-19 pandemic, or one of the world’s great conflicts, a natural disaster – there are always episodes of kindness and humanity that have made a difference. This is similar to the efforts of students who exemplify the optimism that Manipur requires right now!

This was Manipur’s chapter through the eyes of students, as they simply wish to raise more awareness and have hopes to end this chaos and heal from this harsh experience.

Video Suggestions – Survival story of Agnes Neikhohat, one of the instances of Crime against Women.

List of additional sources on the issue :

https://youtu.be/WH7Sk9KOD84

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/manipur-violence-clashes-nrc-meitei-kuki-naga-imphal-valley-illegal-immigration-myanmar-reserve-forests-biren-singh-2368476-2023-05-04

https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-ethnic-violence-in-manipur-hill-valley-divide-remains-a-challenge-to-indias-act-east-policy-7794619.html

Image credits : Economic Times

Priya Agrawal

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Aryabhatta College

A Delhi University Student Stabbed to Death outside of Aryabhatta College

By DU Beat June 20, 2023

A 19-year-old student from the University of Delhi was allegedly stabbed to death outside of Aryabhatta College.

On Sunday, in front of Aryabhatta College in South Campus, a 19-year-old Delhi University student, named Nikhil Chauhan, was allegedly stabbed to death. A week ago, one of the accused had allegedly harassed a woman friend of the victim, to which he had objected, said a senior police officer in conversation with The Hindu.

On Sunday, around 12:30 pm, the key accused and three of his accomplices met with Nikhil outside the College and stabbed him in the chest, the police stated. He was later rushed to the Charak Palika Hospital, where he was declared dead. CCTV footage has surfaced online, which, captured near the college, purportedly showed the accused escaping on scooters and a bike.

While talking to The Hindu, Nikhil’s father had this to say

We deserve justice, this is not what we send our children to school for.” He further stated, “I received a call at 12 p.m. that Nikhil has been injured, I rushed to the hospital, but by the time I reached, he passed away.”

The victim, who has been survived by his two brothers and parents who live in West Delhi’s Paschim Vihar, worked as a part-time model. His parents have said that he loved modelling and acting, taking part in many competitions in the city.

My son was also into modelling. He told me that he also wants to study political science to have vast knowledge about our country. He had a bright future. We don’t know what to do now,”

– said Mr Chauhan.

A case under IPC 302(murder) has been registered and an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the accused-who have been identified, the police have said.

“It is very unfortunate and sad that a young life has been lost and that also just outside the college where students come to learn and make career.” said a Delhi University spokesperson in a statement to The Hindu.

Feature Image Source: DU Beat Archives

Vanshika Ahuja

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Campus Central

Mismanagement and Arbitrary Decisions taken at Meghdoot Hostel

By savedubwp23admin June 17, 2023

The residents of Meghdoot Hostel have expressed dismay upon their living conditions and have alleged that various arbitrary decisions have been taken by the authorities. The accusations have mostly been levelled against the former provost of the Hostel, Dr Pratibha Mehta Luthra, who has reportedly recently retired from her Hostel duties.

Meghdoot Hostel is one of the two University hostels for women in North Campus. It primarily admits masters and PhD students. It has been reported that after the pandemic, quite a few hostels were not well equipped to take in fresh students. In Meghdoot Hostel most students were admitted as guest residents and were asked to pay a higher fee. It has been alleged that there was complete lack of transparency in the admission process. The basis on which students were admitted into the hostel is unclear and whether university guidelines were followed is in question. Reportedly, a disproportionately high number of science students, particularly students from Dr B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research – the institution in which the former provost is a faculty member-were given permanent seats.

Students who were not given a permanent seat were asked to vacate on a short notice. Those who were about to complete their courses requested for brief extensions so that they could be allowed to stay at the hostel until the completion of their courses. Most of these requests were denied. Asking students to vacate their rooms on a short notice caused immense disruption as many of them did not have any other place to stay.

“My dissertation submission was on the 15^th of June. I simply needed a 15-day extension. My application for extension was approved by the Department Head as well. Yet, the provost denied me an extension and refused to listen to my concerns” – a former resident of the hostel who wishes to remain anonymous

The former provost had reportedly undertaken the task of establishing a Saraswati idol in the Hostel premises. While the hostel often fell short of ensuring basic necessities for the residents, it was alleged that a considerable amount of the funds was spent in the establishment and maintenance of the idol. Multiple Hindu religious events such as havans and pujas were organised and it has been alleged that the students were coerced to participant in them. However, this has been refuted by a resident who stated that although religious gatherings and events were organised, attending them was a matter of choice. After the establishment of the idol, the hostel authorities stopped non-vegetarian food from being served in the mess. When this decision was met with complaints, the provost reportedly reasoned that non-vegetarian food cannot possibly be allowed in the hostel premises as the piety of the space had to be maintained due to the presence of the idol.

“We were repeatedly asked to participate in the events organised by the hostel. We were told that non participation in these events would affect our applications for permanents seats. Women from all over the country, from diverse cultures and different faiths, reside in our hostel. They were all asked to attend havans early in the morning. The prejudice that the provost had was very evident. – a resident of Meghdoot hostel who requested to remain anonymous

DU Beat contacted the members of the managing committee and the former provost to respond to the allegations.

“Thank you for kindly communicating with me on the matter. I held a meeting with the students on 2^nd June 2023 in the matter. The response from them has been communicated to the management committee. Everything has been done as per rule and based on the request from the students.” – Dr Pratibha Mehta Luthra, Provost, Meghdoot Hostel

Reportedly a new provost has been appointed to the hostel. The students hope that their concerns are taken care of with greater sincerity in future.

Featured image credits: Joon Square

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CVS Professor Files Petition Against Roster Manipulation

By DU Beat June 3, 2023

A petition filed by College of Vocational Studies (CVS) Professor Dr. Ravindra Singh Kushwah has alleged manipulation in the execution of a proper roster system by the college, which led to general category seats being converted into a reserved category. The Delhi High Court (HC) instructed that the College of Vocational Studies (CVS) cannot appoint any teachers without approaching the HC first.

On May 25, 2023, the Delhi High Court instructed that Delhi University’s College of Vocational Studies (CVS) should consult the High Court before recruiting any teachers since the services of a teacher “cannot be dispensed with” until the next hearing.

Dr. Ravindra Singh Kushwah, an assistant professor at CVS, filed the petition and claimed that the proper roster system was not implemented during the appointments for recruiting teachers due to manipulation and a lack of transparency. Kushwah alleged that a general category seat had been changed into a reserved one, so he could not apply for the position.

… the Teaching Roaster for the year 2023 is entirely manipulated which is ex-facie violence… as a result of which the Petitioner has lost his opportunity to even apply under unreserved category in the Department of Tourism.

– stated the petition filed by Dr Ravindra Singh Kushwah, through advocates Ms. Snigdha Singh and Mr. Kumar Shashwat

The petition was filed under the grounds of impugned advertised, impugned teaching roster 2023, and 2013. The petition also accused other manipulations conducted by the University and CVS. The petition further stated,

The respondent No. 2 [College of Vocational Studies] has diluted the authenticity of Impugned Teaching Roster for the year 2023 by making manual changes by hand and thereafter not even attesting the said changes with either initials or stamp. The same casts a heavy doubt on the veracity of the Roster as to whether the same has been approved by the University/Respondent No. 1 or not.

The President of College of Vocational Studies’ Teacher’s Body, Dr. Kumar Ashutosh, said,

There were four vacancies in our Department of Tourism, out of which one was unreserved. However, when the posts got advertised, all got converted to reserved posts. The court has made important points, including that Kushwah shouldn’t be terminated till the next date of hearing and that the recruitment process cannot take place without the court’s permission. Even in the History Department, an ST post was converted to an unreserved post, and the ad hoc teacher who was teaching against the ST post has approached the court.

– Dr. Kumar Ashutosh, President of CVS Teacher’s Body

Another petition by Mr. Mrinaal Pingua was also filed on the basis of manipulation by the University over impugned advertisements and impugned teaching rosters for 2023 and 2013.

…due to the manipulation in the Teaching Roaster 2023, post of ST Category in the History Department has been deliberately and clandestinely filled by another permanent faculty from unreserved category, and consequentially there is NIL vacancy for ST Category History Department – CVC in the impugned advertisement. Hence, the loss of opportunity for the Petitioner to apply for permanent teaching post against the ST Category.

– stated the petition

Dr. Inderjeet Jagar, the Principal of College of Vocational Studies claimed that the facts were not represented accurately.

Even when the posts were advertised in 2019, there were no unreserved posts. There are a total of four posts and the one unreserved post that is there already has a permanent faculty member. Currently, the vacancies are for three posts only… As per DU rules, ad hoc appointments are made for four months and services can be terminated without notice. Due to changes in the workload, the sanctioned posts also keep increasing or decreasing when this particular ad hoc appointment was done, we appointed whoever was available.

– Dr. Inderjeet Jagar, CVS Principal

The ad hoc crisis at Delhi University (DU) has been contemplated for quite some time. The committee recommended that whenever a vacancy transpires in four months, an ad hoc teacher will be temporarily recruited by a selection committee. Ad hoc teachers need to have their services renewed every four months, yet some have remained with the University for over a decade.

However, the college administration claims that the matter is restricted to this issue itself.

Featured Image Credits: The Indian Express

Sri Sidhvi Dindi
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Bazinga: DU Announces Month-Long Semester Break for First-Year Students

By DU Beat May 28, 2023

As parts of Delhi record temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius and a searing heatwave sweeps the city, Delhi University has issued guidelines granting an extended semester break for the current batch of first-years attending the University.

In a notification dated May 25, 2023, the Delhi Government issued recommendations pertaining to the functioning of educational institutions amidst the expected heatwave. With the national capital recording 40+ degrees Celsius consecutively and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert, the University of Delhi, on May 28, released a modified academic calendar for the batch of 2025/26. Scrapping the former one-day break, the University has now granted a summer break that will last a month. According to the newly released guidelines, second-semester examinations will end on July 28, 2023 (Friday), and the batch will be dispersed thereafter. The new semester will commence on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday).

DU registrar Vikas Gupta reportedly told The Quint that the sudden move by the administration comes in light of the sweltering heat in the city.

I hail from Himachal and Delhi weather is nearly intolerable for me. There is no hope for the weather to get better but at least when colleges are shut, I am hoping to protect myself from the heat by staying indoors.

-commented a student at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Yogesh Singh, stated in conversation that the lack of a semester break was a result of the delayed implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

CUET was conducted for the first time in 2022. Its implementation was gradual which led to semester lengths being halved. To bring the academic calendar for first years back on track, the University had to scrap the provision for a semester break.

– DU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yogesh Singh

However, following the backlash faced by NEP and amidst demands for a rollback of the policy, the University has decided to offer respite to the students. The Vice Chancellor added,

The last year has seen a drastic modification in the entire education system of the country. As a students’ university, we realize the uncertainty it carried along and the detrimental impact it had on students’ mental health… We believe students deserve a good break and hence start afresh.

The move by the University has been highly appreciated by the student body.

I am glad the University finally realized how hectic our college life has been so far. We are infamously the experimental batch but there is thankfully something to look forward to now.

– commented a fresher from Maitreyi College.

Sources also report that the session for the incoming batch is expected to commence in mid-August. Hence, a semester break will allow the academic calendars of the University to continue in an integrated manner. This will also enable the University to direct its efforts to ensure a smooth admissions process.

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

Featured Image Credits: The Times of India

Manvi Goel
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Campus Central

DU Standing Committee Proposes to Drop History Elective Course on Caste and Gender

By DU Beat May 28, 2023

The decision to drop the history elective course ‘Inequality and Difference’ has invited vehement criticism and concern from members of the academic community who believe the course to be an important means of navigating the history of India’s oppressive social systems that affect present-day inequalities in more ways than one.

The Standing Committee for Academic Matters of Delhi University, headed by the Vice Chancellor, has suggested dropping an elective course titled ‘Inequality and Difference’ offered by the History Department of the University. The elective course included issues around gender and caste and helped students gain a historical understanding of institutions such as caste. This development came about after a similar proposal by the standing committee to scrap a paper on B.R. Ambedkar from the B.A. Programme Philosophy syllabus.

This proposal has caused a tussle between the committee and various professors and academicians in the department who have previously taught the course. The committee stated that they are considering dropping the course because concepts of caste and gender are already being taught. On the other hand, professors in the department reasoned that the course helped students view inequality through a historical lens and hence greatly contributed to a nuanced historical understanding of persisting inequalities and biases.

The course is offered to students of different honours degrees as a generic elective paper in their fourth semester and has been part of the curriculum for more than seven years. It comprises four units. The first unit, titled ‘Structural and Forms of Inequalities: Normative and Historical Experiences,” involves discussions around oppressive structures and social systems such as the Varna system, slavery, etc. The second unit is on ‘Gender, Household, and Public Sphere’. The third unit is on tribes and communities of forest dwellers. The last unit is called “Indian Constitution and the Questions of Equality’. The works of historians and scholars such as Uma Chakravarti, Romila Thapar, and Sunil Kumar, among various others, made it to the reading list for the course.

The move has invited condemnation from various members of the academic community who believe this to be “an act of political indoctrination” and alleged propagandising of education. Dr. Maya John, a professor at the Department of History at the University and an Academic Council member, stated in conversation with the Quint that the fate of the course is yet to be decided and although they hope to retain the course, once the decision passes through the Standing Committee, it is difficult to reverse it.

It is a rich course that speaks about the institutionalisation of inequality and the resistance to it. It is the history department’s way of engaging students from other departments, in conversations about the various structures of inequality in the Indian subcontinent. It teaches students to think historically about varna, caste, gender inequality, and racial and ethnic differences.

– Dr Maya John, in conversation with the Quint

Professor Abha Dev Habib, from the Department of Physics at Miranda House, raised concerns regarding the drastic changes being brought about to the academic curricula at the school and university levels.

Featured Image Credits: Devesh Arya for DU Beat

Tulip Banerjee
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Campus Central

DU Philosophy Department Opposes Decision to Scrap Course on Ambedkar

By DU Beat May 24, 2023

The decision to scrap the course on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar came after a standing committee reviewed the undergraduate curriculum in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Amid widespread criticism against the decision, the Department of Philosophy wrote to the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University to retain the course.

The suggestion to drop the elective from BA Programme Philosophy by the Standing Committee on Academic Matters was first discussed on May 8th. A panel was appointed from the undergraduate and postgraduate levels to further elaborate on the same in a meeting on May 12. The committee is reviewing the curriculum in accordance with NEP 2020.

The University’s Department of Philosophy has strongly opposed this suggestion, saying that “Ambedkar is an indigenous thinker representative of the social aspirations of a majority of people in the country” and that research on Ambedkar is gaining momentum in the country. Accordingly, they have asked the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Yogesh Singh, to look into and reconsider the suggestion.

The course on Ambedkar philosophy was introduced in 2015. It includes the life and essential writings of Ambedkar, his concepts, and his research methodology.

Addressing various sources, a member of the Standing Committee reportedly said that no changes have been incorporated so far and that the final decision rests in the hands of the Academic Council, the varsity’s supreme decision-making body on academic matters.

This (the Ambedkar course) is not being dropped and this suggestion was not given by the committee. The suggestion was that new courses and old courses should be mixed together and it should be designed in such a manner that it should be attractive to the students and it should be designed in a way that it will be adopted in many colleges also… We suggested philosophies of thinkers from all backgrounds should be added.

– Prof. Balram Pani, Standing Committee Chairperson and Dean of Colleges, in conversation with the Indian Express

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, who was present at the May 8 meeting, similarly added,

There were several suggestions made by the House to the philosophy courses presented before it. One such suggestion was to align the contents of the course ‘Philosophy of B R Ambedkar’… and to offer courses of other philosophical thinkers of India representing different approaches and schools of thought, so that students have options to choose any thinker they wish to study.

– Prof. Amitava Chakraborty, Dean of the Faculty of Arts

However, there were many sources that claimed the proposal to be true.

There were several suggestions made by the House to the philosophy courses presented before it. One such suggestion was to align the contents of the course ‘Philosophy of B. R. Ambedkar’… and to offer courses of other philosophical thinkers of India representing different approaches and schools of thought, so that students have options to choose any thinker they wish to study.

– A professor from the Department of Philosophy

Following the opposition, a sub-committee set up by the Standing Committee was appointed to discuss the revision of the syllabus. On 22nd May, the sub-committee suggested that the elective paper on B.R. Ambedkar be kept following the addition of papers on other philosophical thinkers as well, following which students can opt for their preferences. Sources concluded that papers on Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Periyar were being considered to be included in the curriculum.

The suggestions shall be placed in front of the Academic Council after approval by the Standing Committee.

Featured Image Credits: The Indian Express

Aanya Mehta
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Hindu College Reconsiders Suspensions for Students

By DU Beat May 17, 2023

After issuing suspension notices and imposing fines on students for protesting, Hindu College is reconsidering its move. The students have submitted written apologies to the administration, and the principal is reportedly willing to let students explain themselves and address their concerns.

The Hindu College administration had issued notices suspending around 40 students and demanding a fine of Rs. 10,000, citing “gross misconduct” by students protesting against the administrative decision to reduce Mecca to a one-day event. The notice firmly stated that the students would not be allowed to take their semester exams if they failed to pay the fine. It further stated that they would not be allowed to hold any post of responsibility in the future and that “any repetition of such or other misconduct in the future will be treated with the utmost strictness, to the extent of rustication”. Additionally, 15 students have received a notice for financial fraud and cheating. The notice also alleged that the protesters caused damage to college property and behaved disrespectfully towards the principal, blocking her way and not letting her attend an official meeting.

However, after some deliberation and discussions, the principal, Ms. Anju Srivastava, is reconsidering the suspension. On the evening of May 9, a day after the suspension was issued, the principal reportedly held a meeting with the students. The students put forward their demands and concerns regarding the notice and requested that it be withdrawn.

They (the students) have given us verbal apologies and written apologies. We will give students another chance to put forward their sides. We are open to discussion with them. I have asked the disciplinary committee to look into each application separately on an urgent basis. The work has started. We will soon inform the students.

– Ms. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, in conversation with PTI

The principal stated that the students will be given a chance to explain themselves and that their apologies will be accepted. It has been stressed that every student’s application will be reanalyzed in depth. The suspension notices drew widespread criticism from students involved in the protests. The students initially stated that they would resort to protesting against the suspension and the imposition of fines if they were not withdrawn.

The RSS-affiliated student body, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), came out in support of the students and requested the administration withdraw the notice at the earliest. Despite all efforts to encourage dialogue between both sides, whether every student will be spared suspension is uncertain.

Featured Image Credits: Keshavi for DU Beat

Tulip Banerjee
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