Students spoke of their bitter experiences of the semester system in which vast courses are required to be taught within the effective period of three and a half months. The DU V-C has not cared to sensitize himself to the collective suffering and pessimism which prevails in the University today. His constant attempts to shun the DUTA has angered teachers and students alike who feel that the V-C is acting under pressure from above to destroy the University and force students to migrate to private universities in search of a more conducive environment of learning. The prevailing atmosphere of terror and constant threats to teachers and students who speak their minds is antithetical to the liberal and tolerant character of this premier University. Teachers drew a sharp contrast between much-admired past DU V-Cs like Prof. Sarup Singh, Prof. Moonis Raza, Prof. Upendra Baxi – all stalwarts – and the current V-C who, they feel, has brought shame to the elevated office of the Vice-Chancellor through his myopic ideas and intolerance towards diversity of opinion.
The DUTA strongly condemned the canards being spread against it by the University Administration which has stooped to a new low by directing its security personnel to attack its own students and teachers. The misinformation circulated by the V-C’s team is ridiculous as the Maurice Nagar SHO herself was present, with her entire constabulary, at the protest. If the teachers had indulged in any act of violence, the law could have been enforced immediately. That the V-C expects people to believe his incredible falsehoods, speaks volumes about his stature and ability. The DUTA has also warned the V-C from targeting individual teachers who are sacrificing their off-days or taking leave to sit on Satyagraha. What teachers do after taking leave that they are entitled to, has to be left to their own choice. DU Administration cannot start dictating the lives of teachers. If they do, the DUTA shall take them on. Meanwhile, the DUTA is preparing for another General body Meeting of teachers in which it will take important decisions related to the Action Programme.
S.D. Siddiqui, Secretary Amar Deo Sharma, President
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