DUTA Press Release 21.10.2014

DUTA stages Protest at College of Vocational Studies on Teachers’ Demands; forces Principal to Accede to Demands

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) Executive members staged a Protest at the College of Vocational Studies today in support of many demands put forward by the teachers of the college. The Protest was held along with an impromptu meeting of the staff, after which the DUTA Executive members and teachers of the college had a long meeting with the college principal. The principal was eventually forced to accede to many of the demands.

Some of the issues raised included illegal diversion of workload from the departments of History, Political Science and Economics to other departments, and consequential harassment of teachers who protested. The principal assured the DUTA that letters issued to a teacher of Tourism, accusing him of insubordination in this regard, would be withdrawn and workload belonging to the departments of History and Political Science would be restored.

The DUTA also pointed out the severe procedural infirmities in the appointment of the current Vice Principal in violation of the eligibility criteria and principle of seniority. Additionally, the DUTA also drew attention to the serious irregularities in the functioning of the library, especially in the maintenance of records about books purchased and the illegal appointment of a retired librarian on contract. The contract appointee had shockingly been made convener of the Library Committee and in response to an RTI query on records, had asked for 80, 000 rupees as the cost for preparing a reply. The principal promised to take corrective measures in both these matters.
Other issues raised included arbitrariness in preparation of the Reservation Roster, without consulting the College Workload Committee, and the illegal allotment of teaching duties in PG Diploma (Tourism) to the Administrative Officer of the college, who is unqualified to teach in any capacity.

The DUTA also pointed out a serious financial and administrative irregularity committed by the principal in permitting a private hospital to dump massive amounts of soil and toxic waste in the college compound, without authorization from the College Building Committee, Governing Body or Chairperson. The DUTA intends to take this matter up with the higher authorities in order to ensure that responsibility is fixed.     

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