The FEDCUTA notes with alarm and concern the reports about repeated attempts by forces inside and outside the Central University of Gujarat to thwart the formation of a Teachers’ Association in the university.
A university stands for plurality of ideas which could be even contending with each other. Teachers’ associations are expected to take forward a democratic ethos which enable this battle of ideas to take place and which is so crucial to a vital and robust teaching learning process. Moreover they strengthen the various dimensions of freedom of association in a university and thereby facilitate the collective life of the university in tandem with students and the staff.
The reports that there are attempts to undermine even the fledgling attempts towards a collective life by not granting permission to use official email IDs for even discussions on the issues of an association or attempts by outside forces to create an atmosphere of fear in this context are alarming.This would impede a fearless and questioning teaching learning atmosphere in the long run.
We appeal to all the constituents of the university, including the administration, to facilitate the formation of the association in a democratic spirit.We also appeal to political forces across the spectrum to carry this spirit forward.
NANDITA NARAIN SACHIDANAND SINHA
(President, FEDCUTA) (Secretary, FEDCUTA)
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