DUTA raises question over resolution seeking 85% seats in few DU colleges

Delhi University teachers and students were questioned over the politically motivated move that affects the diversity of the varsity when state assembly adopted a resolution seeking 85 per cent in admission for the city students.

Meanwhile, Delhi Assembly has also adopted another resolution demanding an amendment in the DU Act 1922, according to which no other university in national capital is legally authorised to give affiliation to any college.

The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) Executive passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the proposal of the Delhi Government to reserve 85 per cent seats for Delhi students in the 28 colleges of Delhi University in whose governance Delhi government has a role.

"Delhi University is a central university with an All-India character that caters to students from across the country. This facilitates a regional, ethnic and social diversity of students and faculty that enriches the learning process and fosters a spirit of national integration," said a statement from DUTA.

"Restricting the entry of students from outside Delhi to just 15 per cent would impoverish these institutions and go against the character of a central university," added the statement.

A DU student from Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district, who wished to be anonymous, said that domicile reservations are something which kills the idea of one of the country's top universities.

"It is with the hope of getting admitted to at least one of the DU colleges that we apply for it. Students from other places have to bury such dreams if the move is implemented," the student said.

"Delhi University is known for its heterogeneity. This has to be respected.

"Earlier BJP, and now AAP have made these promises without respecting the nature of the varsity.

I find it a part of regressive politics -- creating an us and them divide on the basis of regional politics," DUTA member said.

BJP, the opposition in Delhi Assembly, too had on several occasions had held talks with Delhi University VC seeking domicile reservations, reportedly said.

"Rather than taking a populist but counter-productive decision, they should use this opportunity to set an example of good governance that these colleges have lacked for many years. This is a chance for them to demonstrate to the whole country their commitment to provide quality, affordable higher education, just like they have done for school education by bringing about impressive changes in government schools," said the DUTA statement.