University of Delhi (DU) released an official notification stating that free attendance would be provided for social work, and for the promotion of social awareness among students.
After continuous protests by All India Students Activism (AISA), DU has agreed to recognise social work as a parameter for attendance concession.
On 12th October, the Varsity released a notification on its website, stating that social work has now become applicable for attendance concession, along with sports and various extra curricular activities. This step has been taken to promote social work and humanitarian relief initiatives among the students.
Earlier, AISA, along with National Service Scheme (NSS), was protesting in North Campus to demand free attendance for social relief activities. The main aim was to bring NSS and social work at par with the cultural societies that are largely celebrated in the University circuit. Kamalpreet Kaur, President, AISA, told DU Beat, “Students who spend their time working for the society, going on relief trips or workshops often face repercussions when they miss classes. They get punished instead of rewarded.“
The University, in their press release, has regulated that minimum of 50 hours of service per week is required to be eligible for 33 percent attendance concession. NSS representatives and core team will be eligible for 7 percent more than the rest.
The criterion as extends its benefits to students not affiliated to NGOs, and are working towards betterment of the society apart from NSS. Activities involving education of the underprivileged, awareness about sanitation and hygiene , working against discrimination, social awareness drives, book donations, cleanliness drives and plantation drives have been recognised under this.
Students who are not part of NSS, but are working with recognised NGOs and companies are also eligible for the attendance. Independent students with valid certificates as per the list released by the university also come under this category. The lack of NSS enrolment has been the major factor for this decision.
The notification, however, still does not recognise Women Development Cell for free attendance but students with valid certificates can still apply for the confession.
Yagesh Tyagi, Vice Chancellor of DU, said, “Delhi University is a premier institution of India. We want each and every student to contribute to India’s upliftment. Social work is as important as any course or society.”
He also added that the aim is to integrate social work in mainstream activities of the University. Allegedly, the University will further take steps to integrate social work quota even for admissions.
Feature image credits: Gauri Ramachandran for DU Beat
Chhavi Bahmba