DUTA Letter to VC reg. Inclusion of elected Executive Council and Academic Council members in the Working Group on Examinations

8.5.2020

Prof. Yogesh Tyagi

Vice Chancellor
University of Delhi
Delhi 110007

Sub: Inclusion of elected Executive Council and Academic Council members in the Working Group on Examinations

Dear Prof. Tyagi,

We have come to know about the constitution of a “Working Group on Examinations” by Delhi University through its notification no. Estab.II (i)/12/Exams/2020 dated 06.05.2020. We understand that this group has been constituted to oversee examination related matters in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As you are aware, smooth functioning of examinations under the present circumstances can happen only if all stakeholders are made a part of the decision making processes. It is unfortunate that the statutory bodies of the University – the Executive and Academic Council – have been ignored in the formation of this working group. We believe that the Committee must be expanded to include elected representatives of teachers so that the concerns of teachers from across institutions are properly taken into account. Further, we believe that the University has been receiving representations from students regarding their concerns related to the conduct of examinations. The Committee must deliberate on all these issues raised by students and teachers, including DUTA’s opposition to online examinations for the reasons outlined in our earlier letter to you. The diversity of the student population of Delhi University is factor that must be considered so that no student is penalised for lack of access to online and other resources.

We hope that the Committee will be expanded so that diverse opinions and feedback can be deliberated upon while taking decisions that will impact the lives of many. We also hope that the University will not sidestep statutory processes and will include elected representatives of teachers in all committees that may be formed to deliberate on the functioning of the University in these distressing times.