Uncertainty over Delhi University results as teachers continue protest

Hundreds of teachers of Delhi University took to the streets on Friday again to protest a University Grants Commission’s (UGC) notification that could lead to around 5,000 temporary teachers losing their jobs..

Hundreds of teachers of Delhi University took to the streets on Friday again to protest a University Grants Commission’s (UGC) notification that could lead to around 5,000 temporary teachers losing their jobs..

Many teachers and students from Delhi University colleges protested against the UGC’s third amendment regulation that would lead to ad-hoc teachers losing jobs due to changed workload in New Delhi on Friday. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT Photo)

The teachers, sporting black bands, marched from Mandi House towards the Union ministry of human resource development (MHRD). They were stopped midway by the police and whisked away to the Parliament Street police station where they courted arrest.

A delegation of office-bearers from Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) later went to the MHRD, where officials refused to meet them.

The teachers have been protesting against the UGC’s third amendment regulation that would lead to ad-hoc teachers losing jobs due to changed workload.

The notification also makes the Academic Performance Indicator stringent.

The teachers have been boycotting the evaluation process since May 24 because of which DU’s undergraduate results may be delayed. The teachers have threatened to boycott the admission process.

Friday’s protest was led by Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) and supported by student representatives and political leaders.

CPI (M) leader Nilotpal Basu and JD (U) leader KC Tyagi joined the teachers on Friday.

“We want a written assurance from the UGC immediately that there will be no job cuts. We want that the workload norms — including tutorial and practical period — will be prior to the third amendment regulation. We want the process of permanent appointments to start immediately,” said AK Bhagi, DU executive council member.

The teachers said that with no clear word from UGC so far, they will continue with their boycott of the evaluation process.

“This regulation is a move to demolish public funded institution of higher learning. With every passing day, our commitment and resolve is becoming stronger. We will continue with the boycott of the evaluation process,” said Rajesh Jha, DUTA office bearer.