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DUTA Burns VC’s Effigy as the University Strike Enters Its 36th Day

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DUTA protesters burned an effigy of Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi as the strike against the New Education Policy enters its 36th day. 

On 8th January 2020, hundreds of protesters gathered despite the harsh and severe climate to protest against the lack of action being taken by the University of Delhi and its Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi. The gathering was called by Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA) against the inaction being taken regarding their demands of permanent absorption and time-bound promotions of the university’s teachers. The gathering burnt an effigy to show their vexation over his neglect and reiterate his removal.

DUTA  has been on strike since last month in demand of one-time regulation for the absorption of ad-hoc and temporary teachers, with the continuance of the indefinite strike with the boycott of invigilation, evaluation and all other official duties to press for their demand. In a press release, DUTA stated that the working conditions of DU teachers have continued to worsen in comparison to all other universities. They claim that without direct intervention from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), it will be impossible to retain the academic talent that continues to contribute to DU’s position as a premier central university,” and insists that the only alternative for ending the strike is complete acceptance and implementation by the DU administration of all the points of agreement reached with the DUTA and articulated in its summary note of discussion released on 6 December 2019.

In the press release, DUTA president Rajib Ray stated, “The plight of ad-hoc and temporary teachers in DU is characterised by despair. DUTA reiterates that the only just solution to prolonged ad-hoc in DU (for which the current VC and his officials are responsible in a big way) is Permanent Absorption. The DUTA is dismayed that despite a detailed White Paper arguing the case for the VC’s removal, the MHRD and UGC has been dragging its feet and allowing him to continue his anti-teacher and inactive mode of administration.

The DUTA will mobilise the teachers and students in the coming days for massive action programmes unless its agreement with the MHRD and UGC is implemented immediately and decisive action is taken against the DU Vice-Chancellor.”

The teachers of the University of Delhi have been on strike since 6th December.

 

Feature Image Credit: DU Beat Archives

Shreya Juyal

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New Year, New Semester, No Teachers

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As the new semester takes off from today, 1st January, the University of Delhi (DU) halls still witness the indefinite strike of Delhi University’s Teacher’s Association (DUTA) that began from 4th December, demanding permanent absorption of ad-hoc teachers.

 

Delhi University’s Teacher’s Association (DUTA)’s a month-long strike which was initiated on 4th December 2019, to demand permanent absorption of more than 4500 ad-hoc teachers has continued even till the new semester. The protest led to an amendment of 28th August Circular along with relief given to ad-hoc teachers to sit for interviews for permanent positions by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The MHRD also guaranteed that no ad-hoc teacher would be removed until permanent positions would be filled. However, the demand for permanent absorption of 4500 ad-hoc teachers was not fulfilled that has fueled this on-going agitation.

 

The teachers had already boycotted evaluation and invigilation duties for the end-semester examinations. The DUTA has still decided to continue their strike which leaves the fate of the students in this semester hanging which can be owned up to to the lack of action by DU administration.

 

The demands of teachers also consisted of the consideration of ad-hoc time for time-based appraisal. Over 2700 positions in various departments are yet to be filled which have risen due to retirement or resignation in this semester.

 

Rajib Ray, President, DUTA, told Indian Express that “The call for strike still stands but the teachers will collect syllabi from their colleges to not hamper the studies of the students. We will conduct a review on January 7 to decide the future course of action.”

 

However, the administration has provided a contrasting view stating that the evaluation is ‘on track’ and there has been no hindrance. Vinay Gupta, Dean (Examinations) said as per Indian Express that, “There have been no issues and the result is likely to be declared by January end.”

 

Amidst the many conflicting perspectives, an official notification by DUTA as well as the DU administration is required to solve the chaos to ensure proper systematic teaching of students.

 

Feature Image Credits: newsclick

Chhavi Bahmba

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DUTA to continue strike, march to VC’s office on the 23rd.

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The DUTA General Board met on 20th December 2019 to determine the association’s trajectory of actions as they move forward with the strike 

The General Board Meeting (GBM) Resolution passed by Delhi University’s Teachers’ Association (DUTA) on 20th December, begins by congratulating the teachers for making the strike effective and encouraging them to continue the day-night dharna ta the Vice Chancellor’s Office. It further appeals to them to boycott their evaluation and other official duties, in view of the association’s demands remaining unaddressed. The General Body also decided to extend its indefinite strike as ad-hoc teachers across the university, in different colleges, continue to be removed. The judgment spells out an urgent need for protestors to proactively push for the absorption of ad-hoc teachers on the basis of the Department of Personnel and Training Roster and promotion of teachers with their ad-hoc experience also being taken into consideration.

The General Body goes on to condemn the Vice-Chancellor of the University for his blatant disregard of the association’s persistent demands and refusal to revoke the highly contested 28th August 2019 letter, in the judgment. On account of the VC’s inaction, the General Body laid down various mass action programs, for the coming week; On Monday, 23rd December, a march on campus is scheduled to be held against the VC to demand the immediate implementation of Record of Discussion of 5th December 2019. The following day on Tuesday, 24th December, DUTA will hold a press conference on the issue of Absorption and other issues that stand before them. While, at colleges, where ad-hoc teachers have been terminated, DUTA Office Bearers are to correspondingly decide on an action programme if concerned principals do not immediately act upon the University Letter of 12th December 2019.

 The resolution appeals staff associations to further their support for and participation in the agitation and urges them send in suggestions before the next Extended Executive on 27th December 2019 which is to be immediately followed by the next DUTA GBM on 27th December 2019 when a review of the past week will be held and another plan of action will be accordingly formulated.

 

Prisha Saxena

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Image Credits: DU Beat Archive

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DU Ad-hoc Teachers Offered Relief by the MHRD

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The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) has offered a one-time relief to allow all ad-hoc teachers of the University of Delhi (DU) to appear for interviews for permanent positions.

The MHRD has ended an impasse and finally offered relief to the ad-hoc teachers of DU, allowing them to appear for interviews for permanent positions. The government on Friday, 20th December, also directed DU to let the ad hoc teachers continue in their positions until the permanent positions are filled. After a meeting between Professor Yogesh Tyagi, the vice-chancellor of DU and the MHRD along with University Grant Commission’s (UGC) officials, the university wrote to the principals and directors of colleges and institutions of the university that the vacancies will be filled in a time-bound manner and ad hoc and guest faculty will continue as an interim measure.

This decision was taken after the teachers of the university rose in an indefinite strike, called by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) on 4th December 2019. They called for this strike in support of their demand to withdraw the 28th August circular mandating appointment of guest faculty over ad-hoc teachers against substantive vacancies arising for the first time in the academic session. The teachers were urged to stay away from all official duties, including invigilation and evaluation of the university’s end-semester examinations. DUTA officials also met with principals of colleges who have kept renewal of ad-hoc teachers’ tenure in abeyance and have not released salaries.

Amit Khare, Secretary, higher education, MHRD, said, “After the meeting of the UGC on Thursday, 19th December, it was decided that as a one-time relief, all the ad-hoc teachers will be eligible for appearing in the interviews for fulfilment of permanent positions in University of Delhi. Moreover, the working ad-hoc teachers will continue in their positions till the time the permanent positions are filled.”

The letter issued by the university to its colleges stated that the colleges and institutions would have to fill the permanent vacancies in a “time-bound manner” and that in the interim time taken to fill out these positions, ad-hoc/temporary/guest faculty can be appointed.

Rajib Ray, the president of DUTA, said, “We welcome the decision. We want further concessions so that the ad-hoc teachers are absorbed in the permanent positions soon.”

However, the DUTA continues their indefinite strike for further demands of absorption on the basis of DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) roster and promotion with counting of Ad-hoc experience.

Feature Image Credits: India TV

Shreya Juyal

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DUTA Marches to Parliament Street; Writes to HRD Minister

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On December 9th, as a part of the indefinite strike against the Ad-Hoc Crisis, more than 3000 teachers of the DUTA marched to Parliament Street to demand absorption of all ad-hoc teachers.

 

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA)’s movement for the absorption of ad-hoc and temporary teachers has intensified over the past week. More than three thousand teachers marched to Parliament Street on 9th of December, where many of them courted arrest with the DUTA leadership.

 

DUTA began protesting from 4th of December, the protest that initially began outside of VC office has seen some improvements. The protest continued day and night,. in many parts of the National Capital. It has seen many forms of protesting like Vice-Chancellor (VC) Office Gherao, candlelight marches, “We Are Our Families” and much more.

 

After much struggle, the Ministry of Health and Development (MHRD), agreed to some of the urgent demands of the DUTA, including the amendment to the 28th August DU Administration Circular and the counting of past services in all pending cases of promotions as per the 2018 Career Advancement Scheme. However, the demands for the absorption of ad-hoc teachers and the counting of total years of service for promotions have not been conceded to by the MHRD.

 

The ad-hoc teachers were let go all, overnight, by the decree of the 28th August Circular, the inhuman and exploitative conditions under which Adhoc teachers have been forced to work for many years, including the denial of minimum employee rights like maternity leave etc. can only be mitigated through absorption as believed by the DUTA.

 

In order to gain more momentum to the movement, The DUTA leadership has written a letter to the HRD Minister, urging the Ministry to initiate further dialogue on all the urgent and pending issues that have been ignored till now.

 

In a letter titled ‘Demand for a UGC Regulation for the One-Time Absorption of temporary and ad-hoc teachers and other crucial demands of teachers of Delhi University’, addressed to Sh. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Human Resources Development, the DUTA has welcomed the timely intervention of the MHRD and UGC in meeting the teachers’ representatives to find solutions and the acceptance of some of their key demands through the Ministry’s communication dated 5th December 2019.

 

The letter also mentions other unaddressed demands of the Association such as that the Second Tranche positions of the much delayed Other Backward Classes (OBCs) Expansion and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Expansion be immediately utilized and added to the teaching roster following the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines. In this context, the DUTA also demands that the Kale Committee report be adopted and implemented in Delhi University and that the University Grants Commission (UGC) sanctions posts for self-financing courses and absorbs teachers working on these positions.

 

The DUTA has also been demanding an end to the constant threat to the service conditions of the teachers of Physical Education in the University.

 

 

DUTA, has also, allegedly said, “…if the MHRD continues to ignore the DUTA’s pending demands, it will face the collective ire of the teaching community.”

In light of these recent developments in the teachers’ resistance movement in the University, Rajib Ray, President DUTA, in conversation with DU Beat, encouraged the student-teacher collective step-up their involvement in the movement for teachers’ welfare and an efficient education system.

 

Featured Image Credits: DNA India

 

Chhavi Bahmba

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Bhavya Pandey

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DU Responds to DUTA protests, Urges Teachers to Cooperate

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Senior Academicians and Deans of some faculties of the University of Delhi held a meeting on December 8th, 2019, following which, a Press Release was put up on the University Website.

 

Responding to the ongoing boycott of duties as well as protests being held by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), the University of Delhi (DU) administration has released a statement on their official website.

 

The statement reads that in the meeting of Senior Academicians and Deans of some faculties of the University, the members were of the ‘view that the ongoing agitation by the DUTA is adversely affecting the students and damaging the reputation of the University.’

 

Thousands of teachers of Delhi University, who have been on an indefinite strike since last week, held a rally at North Campus on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 demanding the absorption of ad-hoc teachers.

 

“The inhuman and exploitative conditions under which ad-hoc teachers have been forced to work for years, including the denial of minimum employee rights like maternity leave and others, can only be mitigated through absorption,” the DUTA said in a statement.

 

Although the teachers movement has resulted in some of their demands being met, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) was quick to accede to the union’s immediate demands to withdraw a controversial circular calling for the appointment of guest teachers, the demand for one-time appointment and others such as counting of total years of service for promotions were not addressed, the union said, calling for the initiation of further dialogue by authorities.

 

Further, the letter issued by the University administration urges the DUTA and its members to ‘comply with the Code of Professional Ethics of Teachers under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges 2018.”

 

Lastly, the Senior Academicians and Deans, unanimously and unequivocally, once again ‘urged the DUTA to call off its agitation immediately and work towards achieving academic excellence.”

 

Image Credits: News18

 

Bhavya Pandey

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Crisis at the prestigious Delhi University

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Who is to be blamed?
The year’s old fame of Delhi University has now turned into sham when thousands of its professors are on roads protesting about the incompetence of university administration. The professors, who have worked relentlessly for years and who have taught the sharpest brains of the country, teach with insecure minds. Approximately 4500 teachers in Delhi University are serving on an ad-hoc basis. This means that they are appointed for a fixed period of 4 months and are reappointed as per the whims and fancies of the college administration.
One of the major reasons for this uproar has been the 28 August circular, which has created a history in itself. Never before had the administration been so cruel to its teachers. The Delhi University assistant registrar in the circular addressed to Principals, Directors, Colleges, and Institutions informed:
“The colleges are…advised to fill up the permanent vacancies at the earliest and till permanent appointments are made, colleges may appoint guest faculty, if required, against new vacancies arising first time in academic session 2019-2020”
This means that the rejoining of the existing 4500 ad-hoc teachers is at stake since the circular clearly states the appointment of guest faculty instead of ad-hoc faculty. The entire teaching fraternity was taken aback. They were earlier hoping for permanent appointments instead of ad-hoc and now they even fear to lose their ad-hoc jobs. Some ad-hoc teachers have been teaching for more than ten years now and have a dependent family. One line of the circular was enough to make them experience sleepless nights.
Here it is important to understand the difference between ad-hoc and guest faculty. The ad-hoc teachers extract a salary as is fixed by the University Grants Commission and are given voting rights equivalent to permanent faculty. Apart from this, they are also involved in all the academic and extracurricular activities of the college/institution. Whereas on the other hand the guest faculty are expected to come, deliver a lecture and go. They are paid a nominal amount per lecture delivered and have no voting rights.
The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) took the cause of teachers and left no stone unturned to stop the implementation of such draconian circular that deprived teachers of their fundamental right to life and livelihood. Since August, they have been demanding the withdrawal of this circular, but the Vice-Chancellor turned deaf ears. The teachers when went unheard decided to boycott all the Delhi University examination invigilation and evaluation duties and resolved to protest at the VC Regal Lodge. This created a deadlock in the university and without faculty, the colleges are having a tough time in conducting the university final examinations. Who is to be blamed for such ruckus? Did the Vice-Chancellor overlook or is it the administrative inertia? Or is it the politically vested interest of few that have brought the entire education system to a halt? Why is it that whenever the ad-hoc teachers demand permanency, they are instead made insecure about their ad-hoc jobs?
Earlier also, when the voices of ad-hoc teachers strengthened for permanency, the teaching roster was changed from 200 point to 13 point. The reserved category posts as per the 13 point roster would reduce and thus the entire focus and efforts shifted towards getting the 200 point roster back in implementation. After winning this long fight with administration, now when the teachers demanded permanency, they were deprived of their existing jobs and they demanded the continuation of their existing ad-hoc jobs, forgetting about being permanent. Many questions arise. Whether the professors at the most prestigious university deserve such insecurity? Don’t they have a right to life and livelihood? What are the reasons behind the administration’s inaction and government’s delay in filling up the permanent posts? These unanswered questions are probably the reasons for the declining education system in India.

Mansi Babbar
Assistant Professor
University of Delhi

Feature Image Credits: Yudu Ushanandani

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‘Integrated North Campus’ on the Cards for DU

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The University of Delhi’s (DU) administration, principals and teachers have shown support towards the idea of having an ‘integrated North Campus’  ahead of the high-rise construction which is taking place and threatens to change the landscape of the area permanently.

In light of the recent developments with regards to the proposed construction of a high-rise building adjacent to the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in the North Campus of the University of Delhi, the administration is planning to integrate the University campus and transform it into a closed campus, with no free access to the public for the same.

Speaking at the 96th convocation of the University last month, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi gave a fresh impetus to what has been a long-standing idea, saying he hoped the area will be turned into an “integrated campus with no thoroughfare” within one year.

Bipin Tiwari, a member of the task force set up by the University’s Campus Development Committee, said that a closed campus could mean the setting up of entry and exit gates at certain key roads such as Chhatra Marg, Cavalry Road, University Enclave and the GTB Road. Through this, the University hopes to restrict the movement of vehicles, not belonging to the staff or students, which currently pass through the area freely. It would also mean setting up alternative routes to divert the traffic.

The task force has written to the Public Works Department (PWD) asking it to carry out a traffic survey of the area and determine what routes may be possible. According to sources, two main hurdles being faced in lieu of this plan include – firstly, a traffic survey of the area and secondly, the much disputed construction of a 39-storey building in the campus.

The North Campus area, flanked by the Najafgarh drain on one side, the Kamla Nehru ridge on the other, the Ring Road in the north and Kamla Nagar in the south, is primarily dotted with university buildings, including various colleges, hostels, sports complexes and administrative blocks. And if the university authorities have their way, the campus will be closed off to the public, quotes The Hindu.

“We are demanding free movement, not a bigger cage to live in, which is what a closed campus will be,” the representative said, adding that the university would use the pretext of a closed campus to clear out street vendors, rickshaws, tea stalls and other small traders.

A representative of the Kamla Nagar Market Association said that while it would be too early to comment on any such proposal, the other stakeholders, including the residents in the area, would have to be taken into confidence for any such move.

Abhinandan Kaul, a first year student of St. Stephen’s College, favours the move of the administration in this regard, and says, “Making North Campus a closed campus would benefit the students by putting their security on priority. The closed campus would also ensure that the traffic is better managed and commute becomes easy for both staff and students. At the same time, I feel that the campus should only be made into a closed campus by increasing its reach, taking the example of other closed campuses such as that of IIT Delhi.”

Another first year student from Daulat Ram College, said on the condition of anonymity, “…a closed campus would benefit the students of DU immensely. They can avail the free environment of a public campus without compromising their security concerns. Even hostel curfews and strict deadlines would be extended if the campus is converted into a closed campus.”

Most principals and teachers of the DU colleges, though, support the idea of an ‘integrated North Campus’ as the under-construction high-rise threatens to change the landscape of the area permanently.

However, the campus and administration await the orders of the Supreme Court (SC) on the matter of the high-rise before any steps can be taken in the direction of having a closed campus.

 

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Bhavya Pandey

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DUSU Appeals to the Vice-Chancellor Regarding Ad-Hoc Protest

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Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) appealed to the Vice Chancellor to ensure the examinations go smoothly while the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has called for an indefinite strike.

In response to the university’s decision of terminating the employment of ad hoc teachers with regards to a letter dated 28th August, Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) sent a call for an indefinite strike from 4th December onwards, where they have decided to boycott evaluation, invigilation duties, and other official work.

Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) however, appealed to the Vice Chancellor, DUTA, and Delhi University Principal Association (DUPA) to settle the ongoing dispute. According to DUSU, The Vice-Chancellor failed to address the concerns of the teachers, due to which the semester examination might end up becoming the collateral damage.

A meeting was convened by the Akshit Dahiya, Pradeep Tanwar, and Shivangi Kharwal, the President, Vice President, and Joint Secretary, DUSU, on 2nd December 2019, which was attended by the elected representatives of College Students’ Unions. The following demands were unanimously passed in  the resolution:

  1. To ensure that examination is conducted on time and university make provision for conducting the exams howsoever.
  2. Arrangement for ad hoc teachers to be made for their continued service and release of salary immediately.
  3. University to withdraw its letter dated 28th August and Vice-Chancellor and DUTA president to end their malicious political game.

DUSU sent a letter to the Vice-Chancellor with the aforementioned demands asking him to ensure the examination process goes smoothly.

Calling it failed leadership of the DUTA and the University Administration, DUSU also felt there are political intentions in the timings of this call as the issue was noted in August but the DUTA President did not take any action back then.

DUSU, in its joint statement said, “We at no cost would allow the delay or cancellation of semester exams. We sympathise with the issue and demand that ad hoc teachers continue their service but at the same time are disappointed with the DUTA President for their irresponsible leadership. The VC must find a solution to this or be ready to face aggression from the student community.”

Image Credits: Daulat Ram College Students' Union Image Caption: The letter sent by DUSU to the Vice Chancellor.
Image Credits: Daulat Ram College Students’ Union
Image Caption: The letter sent by DUSU to the Vice Chancellor.

College Student Unions like the Daulat Ram College Student Union (DRCSU) also shared messages asking for support of the students to ensure the examination goes smoothly.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Satviki Sanjay

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Ad-Hoc Teachers Face Loss of Salaries in Abeyance By DUPA; DUTA Calls for Strike

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Delhi University Principals’ Association (DUPA) decides to put joining of Ad-Hoc teachers in abeyance resulting in loss of livelihood of 4500 teachers, in response to the decision, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has launched an indefinite strike. 

On 29th November, 2019, DUPA held a meeting. In the meeting, it was decided that joining of ad-hoc teachers and disbursal of their salaries will be suspended. DUPA has taken this decision on the basis of the 28th August 2019 DU circular, however, the circular only mandates that appointment of guest teachers can be made against only substantive vacancies arising which arise for the first in a given academic session.

 Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, using the 28th August circular, had denied appointment of these teachers on Ad-hoc vacancies, till those vacancies could be filled on permanent basis. Due to this, the vacant position which arise out of resignation/retirement of current teachers were forcefully kept vacant. This hampered many students as many classes have not been met across colleges and departments in this semester.

 Now, The 28th August letter is now being interpreted by the DUPA further to deny livelihood to more than 4500 ad-hoc teachers who are already in service and have been working against substantive posts for past several years. These teachers have been denied their salaries and renewal letters just at the end of this semester. 

 Saikat Ghosh, Member, Standing Committee (Academic Affairs), Academic Council, DU said, “The immediate crisis that is serving Ad-hoc teachers of DU face is due to the active connivance of some influential college principals. They have gone beyond the brief of the 28 August circular and persuaded the DU Principals Association (DUPA) to halt salaries and renewal letters for all serving Ad-hoc teachers. The DUPA’s callous decision is a betrayal of the teachers’ movement at a crucial time when the DUTA is fighting to get permanent appointments and promotions started in right earnest. Teachers are left with no option but to strike back by ceasing all official duties.” 

 In response to the mistreatment of teachers, wherein 4500 teachers have been shown the door, the DUTA has decided to give three working days’ time to the Vice Chancellor to agree to their demand of withdrawing the 28 August letter which has caused all of this ruckus.  

DUTA has said, “If the demand is not met, the teacher body of over 10,000 teachers will go for an Indefinite Strike, starting from Wednesday, 4th December. Teachers will boycott evaluation, invigilation duties and all other official work.” 

In crux of the matter, The 28 August Circular has been manipulated to deny salaries and renewal letters to more than 4500 teachers, leaving them unemployed. Adding to this, the vacancies now created due to dispersal of these teachers will create an instability amidst the entire university and hamper the classes of many students of many departments. 

Feature Image Credits: India TV 

Chhavi Bahmba 

Chhavib@dubeat.com

 

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