Resolution adopted by DUTA GBM, 2.6.2016

To be read in continuation with the Resolution of 28 May 2016

The DUTA General Body congratulates teachers for the successful evaluation boycott and for their massive participation in the People’s March held on 30 May 2016. The General Body also expresses its heartfelt thanks to families of teachers for their enthusiastic support and participation in the March. The GB also extends thanks to JNUSU for its support and to the students’ organisations Aahwan, AIDSO, AISF, AISA, Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch, CYSS (students’ group of AAP), KYS, NEFIS, NSUI, PACHHAS, SFI and SFS (students’ wing of Swaraj Samvad), which have expressed support for the ongoing struggle.

While this GB appreciates MHRD’s move to consult various stakeholders and review the Amendments notified in the Gazette on 4 May 2016, the DUTA finds the MHRD Press Note of 26 May 2016, UGC Press Note of 31 May 2016 and the MHRD Press Note of 1 June to be insufficient and deceptive. These notes clarify that the Direct Teaching Hours will remain as stipulated in the UGC Regulations 2010. They, however
;
(i)    do not issue any clarification regarding the weightage given to Practicals, which has been halved by the UGC Gazette Notification.

(ii)  include tutorials in the additional six hours along with “remedial classes/seminars/administrative responsibilities/ innovation and updating of course contents”, thus, by implication taking them out of the 16/14 hours of direct teaching, on the basis of which teachers are hired.

This will result in a sharp reduction in the number of teaching posts to the tune of almost 50%, thereby leading to massive retrenchment.  It will also lead to a massive increase in the workload of teachers in terms of teaching hours, number of papers taught as well as preparation and assessment, thereby diluting the quality of teaching and learning.

The notes are also silent on the issue of PBAS, a system which has denied promotions to teachers.

The DUTA General Body reiterates its demands:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the UGC Gazette Notification, 2016,
2. Complete rollback of the  API-system for recruitment and promotion and Restoration of the MPS 1998
3. Reversing the 55% cut in UGC grant and enhancing budgetary allocation to Education to at least 6% of GDP.
4. Release of the Second Tranche of teaching posts as promised under the OBC-Expansion Scheme to colleges and Universities.
5. Immediate filling up of vacant posts on permanent basis with correct GoI roster for SC/ST/OBC/PWD.
6. One-time exemption from NET for all PhD-holders who registered prior to 2009.

The DUTA General Body resolves to carry out the following Action Programmes:

1. Protest March in the Campus after the GBM.
2. Continue Evaluation Boycott till 7th June, 2016.
3. Staff Associations will hold meetings and organize distribution of DUTA leaflets on the issue to parents and students.
4. Press Conference by the DUTA along with various students’ groups and teachers’ associations of other Universities on Friday, 3 June.
5. DUTA “Khali Thali Dharna” at the UGC on Monday, 6 June, 9:30 am. The DUTA will mobilise support from Members of Parliament, students’ groups and teachers’ associations for the Protest Programme.
6. Meeting of the Extended DUTA Executive at 4 pm on 6 June in the DUTA Office to review the matter and suggest future action programme to the GBM
7. DUTA GBM at 10:30 am on Tuesday, 7 June 2016 to decide the future course of action.