DU Professors Protest 2024: Key Issues Raised by Delhi University Teachers
DU Professors Protest: Discover the key demands and major issues raised by Delhi University teachers at Jantar Mantar. Find out why their calls for change are crucial for the future of education.
Delhi University (DU) professors held a significant protest at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The demonstration was organized by the Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA). It addressed various pressing issues impacting the university’s faculty and administration.
Key Issues Raised in the DU Professors Protest
1. Allocation of EWS Seats:
- The protestors demanded expediting the allocation of seats for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The need for more teachers due to unfulfilled EWS seat allocation is affecting the quality of education.
2. Reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme:
- There is a strong call for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The professors argue that it is crucial for the social security of retired employees.
3. Retirement Age for Library and Physical Education Teachers:
- The protest highlighted the need for a clear retirement age policy for library and physical education teachers.
4. Promotion Criteria:
- The professors are seeking a one-time exemption from the rule of publishing in UGC CARE-listed journals for promotions. They believe this rule is too restrictive and non-comprehensive.
5. Timely Disbursement of Salaries and Appointments:
- There were calls for prompt salary disbursements and the filling of vacancies in Delhi Government-funded colleges.
DU Professors Protest: DUTA’s Strong Opposition to HEFA Loans
Professor AK Bhagi is the President of DUTA. He strongly opposed the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) loans. According to Bhagi, some colleges have been pressured into taking these loans, which he strongly criticizes. He emphasized that no college should be forced to accept HEFA loans, arguing that all funding should be provided as grants.
DU Professors Protest: Financial Distress of Delhi Government Colleges
Senior activist Sunil Sharma is a member of the DUTA executive council. He highlighted the financial difficulties faced by Delhi Government-funded colleges. Sharma suggested that these colleges are in a crisis and should be managed directly by the university. He called for these institutions to be brought under the UGC administration to resolve their financial issues.
DU Professors Protest: Calls for Immediate Action
DUTA vice-president Sudhanshu Kumar and secretary Anil Kumar echoed the demand for urgent action. They stressed the need to fill backlog positions and restore the Old Pension Scheme. Kumar emphasized that the scheme is essential for the social security of retired employees.
DU Professors Protest: Memorandum to the Ministry of Education
In their memorandum to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, DUTA outlined several key points:
Need for More Positions:
- With a 25% increase in student intake under the EWS category, colleges need more teaching and non-teaching staff. For instance:
- Hansraj College requires 92 more teaching positions and 51 non-teaching positions.
- Gargi College needs 90 more teaching and 34 non-teaching staff.
- Dyal Singh College, Deshbandhu College, and University College of Medical Sciences. These colleges also face similar shortages.
Request for Additional Grants and Infrastructure Upgrades:
- The memorandum called for extra grants and new teaching positions to match the EWS expansion. It also highlighted several other issues. Like, the need for infrastructure upgrades, including libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities.
DU Professors Protest: Recent Amendments and Dissatisfaction
DUTA thanked the Ministry of Education (MoE) and UGC for amending the UGC Regulations 2018. This amendment allows teachers to choose between the 2018 or 2010 regulations until December 31, 2024, for their promotions. However, the association still demands a one-time exemption. It is requested from the UGC CARE-listed journal need for promotions, citing issues with the list’s comprehensiveness.
The association also voiced dissatisfaction with the UGC’s recent decision to withdraw a circular. This circular allowed some employees to switch from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The withdrawal of the circular is being asked. According to DUTA it creates ambiguity and undermines principles of natural justice. It does not follow what is outlined in Article 14 of the Constitution.
DU Professors Protest: Conclusion
The DU professors protest has brought several critical issues to light. It emphasises the need for urgent reforms in several issues. Like the allocation of EWS seats, pension schemes, and financial management of DU colleges. The DUTA’s demands reflect ongoing concerns about the quality of education and the welfare of faculty members.
This protest highlights the urgent need to address all these concerns. It will ensure the continued quality and efficiency of education at Delhi University.
