DUTA PRESS RELEASE: June 5, 2018

The DUTA’s upbeat ‘Kaali Patti Rally’ to the MHRD culminated in a meeting with the HRD Minister, Sh. Prakash Javadekar.

On the issue of the Reservation Roster, the Minister said that the 5 March Circular was sent as an outcome of High Court and Supreme Court Judgments. He said that the Government has filed an SLP and is prepared to defend Constitutional rights but no formal notification can be issued before the Supreme Court hearing on 2 July 2018.  However, he said that University Authorities have been verbally informed not to act on the new Roster.When the DUTA President showed him data of the recently advertised posts by several Central Universities, in which reserved posts had drastically reduced as a result of 5 March Notification, the Minister said that he was unaware of it and would look into the matter.

On the revision of pension and allowances, the Minister showed surprise that notifications have not yet been issued. On pension, he said that the SLP cannot be withdrawn. On options category he said that he is waiting for the financial estimates from the University.  Linking the issues of Stepping up with grant of MPhil-PhD increments, the Minister did not give any categorical assurance on either. His response on Counting of past services and absorption was not positive.

Talking on the issue of Autonomous Colleges, the Minister said that UGC will consider grant of autonomy only if colleges apply for it.

 The Minister has given assurance that he will meet the DUTA again.

Meanwhile, the DUTA is also holding several meetings with representatives of various political parties to create a wider awareness of the adverse ramifications of the Reservation Roster issue and other policy attacks that will result in social exclusion and loss of academic talent in public-funded institutions of higher education. It plans to hold a major Press Conference on the Roster issue, with prominent MPs from major political parties on June 11.

In response to the MHRD’s indifference on tackling important issues with sincerity, the DUTA will intensify its stir in the coming days. It has appealed for solidarity and support to students and karamcharis who are equally affected by the insensitivity of the MHRD, UGC and DU Administration.