DUTA PRESS RELEASE; 13.3.2018

The DUTA Executive, in its meeting held on 13.3.2018, unanimously condemned the UGC circular dated 5.3.2018 notifying that fresh reservation rosters for SC/ST Category have to be prepared keeping Department/Subject as a unit instead of the University/College. The DUTA views this development as a major setback in its struggle to ensure adequate representation in teaching positions for SC/ST/OBC categories as per the Constitutional requirement of 15%, 7.5% and 27% resp.

Till now, the UGC had specifically prohibited the practice of making department-wise cadres, as that would lead to the denial of reservation in small departments. Thus, the UGC notification of 5.3.2018 heralds a complete U-turn in the position of the GoI/MHRD/UGC regarding the Policy of Reservation, that will, by its own long-held and clearly articulated position, pave the way for the defeat of the Constitutional mandate.

The DUTA demands that the UGC Circular dated 5.3.2018 is withdrawn immediately and consultation with stake-holders held. The GoI/MHRD should file a review petition before a Constitutional Bench of the Apex Court. The entire issue arising from the Allahabad High Court judgment should be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for its consideration and its recommendations placed before Parliament so that the matter is resolved in a manner commensurate with the Constitutional commitment to Social Justice and to ensure proper representation to marginalised sections in teaching positions. Strict implementation of the Constitutional mandate for institutions of higher learning is of far-reaching importance. It is, after all,  not only a matter of getting a fair share of employment in Universities and Colleges, but also the right to play a role in the intellectual leadership and moral guidance of future generations

Today, the process of permanent appointments has just begun in DU after a very long gap during which thousands of ad-hoc and guest teachers have languished in uncertainty for no fault of theirs. Most colleges have brought out ads, after a long and arduous process of formulating rosters, thousands of candidates have spent a fortune applying for these posts, and screening is almost complete. At this stage the UGC circular of 5.3.2018, will derail the entire process of permanent appointments and displace ad-hoc teachers who have been teaching for many years. This will be a monumental human tragedy, with severe academic implications for our University.

Teachers’ Associations of Universities and Colleges across the country are exercised about the matter. A delegation of the AIFUCTO and FEDCUTA raised the issue in its meeting with the UGC Chairperson on 12.3.2018. On 15 March 2018, the DUTA will hold a protest march from Mandi House to Parliament to demand withdrawal of this circular. The March will begin at 12 noon. And classes will be suspended after 11 am.

A Note on the issue as adopted by the DUTA Executive – LINK