The UCMS takeover row has sparked protests from Delhi University teachers. They oppose the Delhi government’s move to transfer UCMS under GNCTD, citing threats to DU’s autonomy. Read more on the ongoing resistance.
The UCMS takeover row has led to strong protests from Delhi University (DU) teachers. On March 18, 2025, the Delhi government announced that the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) would be placed under the Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD). This decision has faced backlash from teachers and faculty members.
UCMS Takeover Row: Teachers Oppose UCMS Takeover
The Aam Aadmi Party Teachers Association (AADTA) has strongly opposed this move. They argue that the takeover weakens Delhi University’s structure. The association claims that this step will break DU into smaller parts and allow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to bring privatization and contract-based jobs into higher education.
AADTA also says that the decision changes the service conditions of UCMS faculty and staff without their consent. Teachers believe this transition will harm DU’s academic diversity and its long-standing structure.
The association reminded people of past attempts by the government to change the status of the College of Arts. Those efforts were stopped under the leadership of former DUTA President Aditya Narayan Misra. AADTA has promised to stand with UCMS teachers, students, and staff to fight this decision.
UCMS Takeover Row: Delhi Government Justifies Decision
The Delhi government has defended the takeover, saying it has been planned for a long time. The March 18, 2025 order refers to approvals given by the Union Council of Ministers in 2005 and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in 2016. These approvals allowed UCMS to be transferred from DU to the Delhi government’s Health & Family Welfare Department.
Legal challenges had delayed the move. The UCMS Teachers Association and Karamchari Union had taken the matter to court, leading to a stay order from the Delhi High Court in 2016. That stay was lifted on February 19, 2024, clearing the way for the government to take over UCMS.
UCMS Takeover Row: Key Changes Under the Takeover
According to the Delhi government’s order:
- All UCMS assets, including land, buildings, and equipment, will now be owned by GNCTD.
- Teaching and non-teaching staff will be moved into the Delhi government system.
- The UCMS budget will be handled under GNCTD’s financial management.
The government has assured that staff service conditions will remain unchanged for now. However, teachers and faculty members are not convinced.
UCMS Takeover Row: Resistance Continues
Teachers say that the UCMS takeover row is a direct attack on DU’s autonomy. They believe that this move could set an example for similar takeovers in the future. Many fear that more DU colleges may be placed under government control.
The opposition to the decision is growing. Protests and campaigns are being planned to stop the transition. Many faculty members and students have pledged their support to UCMS teachers.
The UCMS takeover row remains a heated issue. The next few weeks will determine whether protests can change the government’s decision. For now, Delhi teachers continue to fight for DU’s independence and academic freedom.