Decision to adopt semesters ‘undemocratic’: DU council

The Academic Council of Delhi University has shot off a letter to Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental condemning his “undemocratic handing of affairs” at the Academic Council meeting held on June 5.

The Academic Council (AC) of Delhi University has shot off a letter to Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental condemning his “undemocratic handing of affairs” at the Academic Council meeting held on June 5.

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A copy has also been sent to President Pratibha Patil, who is also the Visitor of the University.

Pental had announced soon after the meeting that the AC had passed the issue of semester system at the undergraduate level with overwhelming majority.

A day later, council members have come out strongly against his statement.

“We have submitted a letter to the Vice Chancellor condemning his undemocratic behaviour as he abruptly ended the meeting of the Council on June 5 without transacting any business,” said Janmayjay Khuntia, Council member.

“He just stood up and declared all the agenda for the day passed,” said Khuntia.

“In the pandemonium created, no one understood what he (Pental) said. Later, we heard the semester system had been passed by the academic council, which is incorrect.”

However, there are differing views on this.

The principal of a North Campus college, on condition of anonymity, said that Pental had asked for votes.

“Pental asked those who supported the system to raise hands. Since a majority of members, which include principals of all the colleges under DU, supported the move, the semester system was passed,” the principal said.