DUTA PRESS RELEASE; 18.3.2018

There is widespread anger and resentment about the recent policy pronouncements of the MHRD that would inevitably lead to privatization and commercialization of public-funded education in the country, making it inaccessible to large sections of students. In particular, teachers are strongly opposed to the 30-70%. funding formula, grants for infrastructural needs being replaced by loans through HEFA, the Tripartite MoU requiring steady increase in students’ fees, Graded Autonomy and the scheme of Autonomous Colleges. Teachers throughout the country have protested against the retrograde recommendations of the 2 November 2017 MHRD notification on 7th Pay Revision and the 9 March 2018 UGC Draft Regulations.

The 5th March 2018 letter of the UGC marks a significant U-turn in the  Reservation Policy of the government as it directs  Universities to prepare rosters Department/Subject-wise. As a result, there will not be adequate representation in teaching positions for SC/ST/OBC categories as per the Constitutional requirement of 15%, 7.5% and 27% respectively. The DUTA has demanded unconditional withdrawal of the 5.3.2018 UGC letter and that the Government files a review petition in court and that the issue be deliberated in the Parliamentary Standing Committee. It is unfortunate that the appointments which should have been completed by now stands jeopardized because of this U-turn by the Government. The University must seek permission to complete this round of appointments on the basis of the advertisements as per the existing reservation roster. The DUTA has also been raising the demand of regularization/ absorption of temporary and ad-hoc teachers. It is equally unfortunate that promotions have not taken place for long years in Delhi University and no effort is being made to resolve the issues of the counting of past service or the retrospective application of API/PBAS by the university. Grant of pensions has also been delayed beyond reasonable limits.

This uncertainty about appointments, promotions and pensions is deeply affecting the morale of teachers and the DUTA is compelled to take steps to make the university administration aware of the teachers’ anguish and distress. The DUTA General Body has called for a 5 day strike from 19-23 March as a mark of the teachers’ protest against the issues outlined above. It is a warning to the Government too to desist from this assault on public funded universities and the working and service conditions of teachers.

The DUTA will also hold a Adhikar Rally on the Campus on 19 March 2018, starting at 11 am.