Autonomy to colleges will affect affordability, quality of education, contends DUTA

The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) puts forward its concerns over the affordability and quality education of Delhi University colleges which are affected after granting the colleges with the autonomous status.

Further, DUTA has called for a joint rally of students, teachers, karamcharis, parents and citizens from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar on March 29 over DU colleges being granted autonomy.

As per the DUTA, financial autonomy means autonomy to raise fees and meet the expenses. The association also stated that after autonomy status being provided, the cost of education will steeply increase and aspects from hostel facilities to examinations will all be seen as a way of generating money.

"The UGC's 12th plan states that the funds given as autonomous grant cannot be used for creation of posts, payment of salaries of college staff, payment of honorarium to existing staff, to meet normal college contingency requirements or to subsidies," read the DUTA newsletter.

John Varghese, Principal of St Stephens College admitted that the college will have to hike fees after autonomy and run in a self-financing mode. The teachers' association also mentioned that teachers who protested against the institute being granted autonomy had to lose their jobs.

"This scheme will hit all sections of the society, especially women, economically deprived students and students from backward and vulnerable sections," stated the association.

A joint rally of students, teachers, karamcharis, parents and citizens from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar on March 29 has been called by the association over DU colleges being granted autonomy.