DUTA Press Release, 2.6.2016

Thousands of teachers turned up enthusiastically for the DUTA General Body Meeting today at Hansraj College Auditorium and participated in a March around the campus to register their support to the ongoing struggle against the draconian UGC Gazette Notification, 2016, demanding its complete withdrawal and the roll-back of the API.

Speakers at the GBM spoke about how the Amendments have snatched away the job-prospects of lakhs of young teachers and research scholars and API (PBAS) has effectively denied any career growth to even greater numbers of teachers. It is utterly shocking that on the one hand the Government strives for “global standards” for our universities, while on the other, they are ensuring the withering away of public funded institutions by forcing budget cuts and other measures that will lead to further erosion. The Government’s lack of concern for the lives of lakhs of people who are choosing to join the teaching profession and spend years in pursuing higher degrees for the same is appalling. Teachers addressing the GBM expressed their firm resolve to force the Government to concede to their just demands.

The GBM, while appreciating the MHRD’s move to consult various stakeholders, noted that the MHRD Press Note of 26 May 2016, UGC Press Note of 31 May 2016 and the MHRD Press Note of 1 June to be insufficient and deceptive. These notes clarify that the Direct Teaching Hours will remain as stipulated in the UGC Regulations 2010. However, they are silent on the weightage for practicals and tutorials or on the PBAS/ API (promotional scheme for teachers).

The DUTA has been called for consultations on Monday, 6 June 2016 at 10.30 am. The DUTA GBM has decided to hold a “Khali Thali Dharna” at the UGC on Monday, 6 June, from 9:30 am onwards when the DUTA representatives will go in for consultations. The GBM has also decided to continue with the boycott of evaluation till 7 June 2016 when the General Body will meet again.

The AIFUCTO has also given a call for their units from neighbouring states to assemble with their banners & festoons at the UGC on Monday, 6 June 2016 to demanding the immediate withdrawal of the draconian API and other anti-teacher, anti-education regulations.

For details of the demands and the action programmes decided upon, please scroll down for text of Resolution adopted by the DUTA GBM today.

For photos of the event click here.