Press Release, 24.8.2012

Sub: DUTA’s decision to observe a 24 hour hunger-strike, outside the VC office, by the entire DUTA Executive Committee including all elected AC/EC Members from 09:00 A.M. on Tuesday, 28/08/2012 to 09:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 29/08/2012 as well as a one day general token strike by DUTA on 28/08/2012

Dear Prof. Singh,

We bring to your kind notice that the DUTA Executive Committee at its meeting yesterday i.e. 23/08/2012 decided to observe a 24 hour hunger-strike along with one day token strike as stated above. DUTA has been constrained to take these decisions with deep anguish and dismay, and under most compelling circumstances.

As you are aware, the DUTA has been greatly exercised about various long-standing issues that stare the teaching fraternity in the face. Among others, the issues particularly include inordinate-delay in filling up of about 4000 (four thousand) vacant teaching positions in DU’s Colleges and Departments, unexplained procrastination in overdue promotions of teachers, non-fulfillment of constitutional obligation of appointments of SC/ST and OBC in pursuance of the UGC regulation 2006, non-removal of anomalies and negative service conditions of teachers in the Sixth Pay Commission, unwarranted non-fixation of pension in r/o retired teachers as well as non-redressal of the CPF/ GPF matter.

It will be pertinent to mention here that all the issues, barring CPF/ GPF, can be resolved by the University authorities, at the University level alone, in consultation with DUTA, if the University has a will to do so. But unfortunately, for reasons best known to you, thus far you have been acting to the contrary. Ever since the present DUTA Executive and its office-bearers were elected a year back, you have been systematically avoiding a dialogue with the DUTA for an amicable resolution of various issues in an environment of free, frank and participative process which is the hall-mark of an academic institution of higher learning the world over. Not only this, you have not responded even once to umpteen communications DUTA has been sending to you from time to time wherein it has repeatedly drawn your attention to frequent blatant violations of the University Act, Statutes, Ordinances, Rules and Regulations on the part of the University.

Not only DUTA, there is an orchestrated effort on your part not to enter into meaningful dialogue with the DUCKU and DUSU as well to ensure an improved teaching-learning process which the University is meant for.

DUTA believes that all this is in bad taste. And this is not done in a civilized society. And DUTA is finding it increasingly difficult to allow this sordid state of affairs to continue. DUTA has been trying for a year to persuade you to see reason but all that has not worked. All its entreaties, appeals have fallen on deaf ears and have failed to move you. DUTA believes that more than enough water has flown down the river and enough is enough.

Now DUTA has resolved to resist your anti-academic and destructive stance with all its might. And hence the decision of 24 hour hunger strike and one day token strike!

Should this apathy and indifference of the University continue, DUTA shall intensify its stir, COME WHAT MAY, by launching a massive action programme the responsibility whereof shall lie squarely with you.

We hope you would appreciate the perception and feelings of DUTA expressed herein and take immediate remedial measures to do the needful before it is too late.

Needless to emphasize that DUTA is committed to a healthy and conducive academic environment in the University and, to that and, shall extend full support to all your positive and laudable undertakings.

With most respectful compliments,

S.D. Siddiqui, Secretary                                                      Amar Deo Sharma, President

Copy to the following for information and necessary action:

1. President/ Secretary, Staff Association of all Colleges/ Departments with the request to hold their respective meetings of Associations/ Councils to enlighten the colleagues to boost the morale of teachers sitting on hunger strike by visiting them outside the VC office and to make the DUTA token strike (dated: 28/08/2012) a success.

2. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi

3. Director, South Campus, University of Delhi

4. Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi