DUTA Press Release, 29.11.2019

The Delhi University Principals’ Association (DUPA) has reportedly decided to put joining of ad-hoc teachers and disbursal of their salaries in abeyance, in its meeting held today. Their decision is on the basis of 28 August 2019 DU circular which mandates that only appointment of guest teachers can be made against substantive vacancies arising for the first time in the current academic session.

Over 4500 teachers are working on ad-hoc basis in Delhi University for past several years. The DUTA finds it completely unacceptable that the Vice Chancellor, through the 28 August letter, denies appointment of full time teachers on adhoc vacancies till positions can be filled on permanent basis. This had already created a difficult situation for colleges. Following this letter, new vacancies arising from retirement/resignation have been kept vacant and consequently, many classes have not been met across colleges and departments in this semester. The DUTA has been protesting against this unacceptable letter and has been demanding its withdrawal. The DUTA views this letter as an attack on the stability of the University and the quality of education imparted by it.

The DUTA finds it extremely unfortunate and is anguished to see that the 28 August letter is now being interpreted by the DUPA further to deny livelihood to 4500 ad-hoc teachers who are already in service and have been working against substantive posts for past several years.

Responding to the new situation, wherein 4500 teachers have been shown the door, the DUTA has decided to intensify the stir by giving three working days’ time to the Vice Chancellor to agree to the following demands. If not met, the teacher body of over 10,000 teachers will go for an Indefinite Strike, starting from Wednesday, 4th December. Teachers will boycott evaluation, invigilation duties and all other official work.

The demands of the DUTA are as follows:

1) Withdrawal of 28 August DU circular and renewal of the services of all serving ad-hoc teachers.

2) Release of Option form and Promotion form as per Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) 2018, as the University has not held promotions of teachers for last 10 years.

3) Counting of past services for promotions as was granted by DU Ordinances.

4) Putting approval of Rosters on hold till more posts are sanctioned to colleges towards EWS Expansion so that teachers who have been working on ad-hoc basis for long are not displaced because of EWS reservation.

The DUTA Executive has also decided to continue this struggle till the MHRD/ UGC does not bring one-time Regulation for Absorption for serving ad-hoc and temporary teachers. These teachers have served the University for past several years. As has been done in several States for its universities, we demand that the MHRD brings one-time Regulation to bring stability and security for Institutions and teachers.

The DUTA will reach out to students, parents, leaders of political parties and concerned citizens at this critical juncture, to enlist mass support for its movement to save Delhi University.

Rajib Ray President, DUTA Rajinder Singh Secretary, DUTA