DUTA alleges continuous attack by officials

 Delhi University Teachers’ Association allege ‘continuous attack’ from the university officials after the two college auditorium bookings to hold general body meeting on Sept 22 were cancelled.

The teachers’ body said after the news of DUTA’s meeting with the president Pranab Mukherjee leaked, one of the colleges revoked its decision of cancellation of the booking.
Shri Ram College of Commerce auditorium booking was made in August by DUTA which was cancelled on Sept 13.

“Due to unavoidable reasons the booking of the college auditorium is withdrawn. It would also not be possible to grant permission for meeting on alternate days or time also,” said a letter from the principal P C Jain. The letter was also sent to the deputy registrar.

On Sept 14, the association members booked Ramjas College auditorium and the principal confirmed its availability.

On September 18, a letter from the principal Rajendra Prasad of Ramjas College to DUTA said: “The college has been advised by the architect not to conduct any function in the auditorium since the roof is in a precarious state. Any loud variation may result in roof collapse.” The letter was also sent to college’s governing body chairperson C S Dubey.

“For booking auditoriums and other spaces for meetings, there used to be no interference between college principals and DU officials. The college principal usually takes such decisions. This time all the letters were also sent to the university officials also. We feel that when the news of DUTA members meeting the President leaked, the decision was revoked,” said Abha Dev Habib, member DUTA. After both the cancellations, DUTA planned to hold a meeting outside Faculty of Arts gate.

Members felt that in last few months, several steps like notices to not protest etc have been coming from DU administration time and again.  

September 19, a reply from Dubey to Prasad said that since commitment to provide the auditorium have been made, the cancellation will not be appropriate at this moment.

A senior DU official said: “The auditorium is available to the teachers. When principals have cited reasons for the unavailability of auditoriums such allegations seem baseless.”