Press Release, 23.11.2013

The DUTA expresses its appreciation of the University representatives on the Governing Body who responded positively to the DUTA’s appeal. It condemns the Principal for posting police outside the gate with instructions to bar anyone from entering. It further condemns the police for manhandling peacefully protesting teachers and even detaining two of them.

DUTA Office-bearers, Executive members and other activists converged at Aurobindo College this afternoon to protest against the removal of the regular Vice-Principal Dr. Meenakshi Gupta and to hold interviews in violation of the due process and democratic system of appointment of Vice Principal by rotation according to seniority. This was the second attempt to do so. Timely intervention by the DUTA Executive and members of the GB had prevented the Chairman and Principal from holding such interviews on 28 October 2013. This time the Principal had ordered the gates to be closed and police posted outside to stop anyone from entering. DUTA activists were manhandled by the police and two of them were whisked away to the police station and detained. After the SHO intervened and asked the Selection Committee members to talk to the protesting teachers, only DUTA President Nandita Narain was allowed in.

The President insisted on the need to follow due process, explained the importance of the democratic principle of rotation and further pointed out that it would be highly improper for the truncated five-member Governing Body to make any drastic policy changes. As a result of her intervention, the interviews were called off. The two University representatives then accompanied the DUTA President to the gate and assured the protesting teachers that they would do their best in the Governing Body meeting to ensure that the principle of rotation by seniority for appointment of a Vice-Principal is upheld.

Nandita Narain
DUTA President