DU teachers participate in 'Adhikar Rally' against MHRD pronouncements

New Delhi: Hundreds of teachers of Delhi University participated in the 'Adhikar Rally' at North Campus here on Monday, expressing their anger and resentment about the recent 'anti-education, anti-people' policy pronouncements by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

Agitating teachers and members of DU Teachers' Assosiation (DUTA) said that the immediate issue which has caused them problems is the letter by the University Grants Commission to the University, which is not only a U-turn in the reservation policy leading to inadequate representation in violation of the constitutional requirements, but also stands to jeopardise the appointment process in DU.

In a statement, DUTA demanded the unconditional withdrawal of the UGC letter and that the government file a review petition in court and that the issue be deliberated in the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

DUTA also demanded that the University administration seek permission to complete this round of appointments on the basis of the advertisements, as per the existing reservation roster.

The Association also raised demands of regularisation/absorption of temporary and ad-hoc teachers.

Teachers of the varsity are also agitated against attempts to privatise and commercialise public-funded education in the country, making it inaccessible to large sections of students.

DUTA president Rajiv Ray said that teachers are strongly opposed to the 30:70 per cent funding formula, grants for infrastructural needs being replaced by loans through Higher Education Funding Agency, the Tripartite MoU requiring steady increase in students' fees, graded autonomy and the scheme of autonomous colleges.

He added that teachers throughout the country are protesting against the retrograde recommendations on the November 2, 2017 notification by MHRD on the Seventh Pay Revision and the March 9 Draft UGC Regulations.

Teachers alleged that uncertainty over appointments, promotions and pensions is deeply affecting their morale and it is extremely unfortunate that the Vice-Chancellor shows no sign of being aware of these problems.