DUTA Press Release: 06.06.2018

Teachers and Students of Delhi University participated in large numbers in the DUTA JANSAMPARK Program on 06.06.2018 outside 5 prominent city metro stations, Delhi University, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, ITO and Central Secretariat. Student volunteers from AIDSO, AISA, CYSS, DISHA, KYS and SFI joined campaign alongside with teachers.

This Action Program was organised to create awareness among the general public about massive problems that teachers of Delhi University were grappling with and finding no solutions to their miseries, teachers had to go on evaluation boycott.

It was brought to the knowledge of people that more than 4000 teaching posts lay vacant in Delhi University because the University and colleges failed to make permanent placements despite a High Court order to fill all teaching posts within a stipulated time frame. The fate of more than 4000 ad hoc teachers teaching against these vacant positions now lie in jeopardy with the 5th March, 2018 UGC letter directing the University and colleges to change the teaching roster to department-wise. If the MHRD does not withdraw/put in abeyance that letter, then there will be a mass level displacement of ad hoc teachers in the beginning of the next academic session in July.

People were shocked to know that teachers have been denied promotions for the last ten years. This lack of career advancement has led to enormous disillusionment in young teachers. Our retired teachers and karamcharis, perhaps the most vulnerable of the lot, are left to fend for themselves in old age with denial of pensions.

As if this was not enough, the government is going full throttle to forcibly privatise the Higher Education institutions through the scheme of Autonomous Colleges and Graded Autonomy. Teachers and students activists explained to the general public how privatisation through financial autonomy will bring in contractualisation in Delhi University which will make public education out of the reach of poor people. It will harm the interest of socially underprivileged, minorities, and female students.

The JANSAMPARK program had a good reception as teachers and students appealed to the people of Delhi to support our struggle. People were alarmed to know the magnitude of sufferings that an average teacher has to undergo on a daily basis because of denial of opportunities. People ensured their full support to the DUTA cause and asked to intensify their struggle till the teachers of Delhi University are given justice.