DU Lecturer? Present Sir!

Latest for the teachers in Delhi University (DU) is the proposed introduction of biometric attendance system to curb the problem of teacher absenteeism. Last week, DU made the disclosure in its affidavit to the Delhi High Court saying it is ‘committed to adopt and implement measures such as the biometric system for its teachers’ as it will improve punctuality.

However, the teachers have been opposing the move for long now and say this decision is ‘demeaning’ and should never be implemented. The University is committed to implement the proposal in order to reduce chances of irregularities and to maintain correct records of a teacher’s attendance.

Abha Deb Habib, a Physics lecturer in Miranda House and member of Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA), termed it oppressive. “There is no need for this biometric thing. It is a way of oppression and they are trying to confine teachers to the campus. We have our library work, research work where we need to go to different places like JNU and other libraries. If they implement this system, we will be confined to our college campus.”

After the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, the teachers now draw lucrative salaries and are expected to justify their presence, take proper classes and not be irregular. DU’s attempt to implement a measure not followed worldwide is adding to the woes.

Sanjay Bohidar who teaches Economics in Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), condemns the proposal and terms it humiliating. “We already mark our attendance indirectly when we mark students’ attendance. This biometric system is not practised anywhere else in the world. This is humiliating for us. I don’t have to prove that I come and teach regularly. It is demotivating for the teaching staff. The Vice-Chancellor cannot take such decisions. He is not the university, just like Manmohan Singh is not India.”

The teachers feel that DU is being targeted unduly, for the other universities like JNU and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University are never considered for such measures. Previously, the teachers had fought over the semester system and four years of graduation and now this measure have added to their woes.

Saumyajit Bhattacharya, an Economics lecturer in Kirori Mal College, terms the latest proposition as “demeaning. I stay in the campus for the longest hours. This is not how you measure the effort we put in teaching for our students. You are performing and delivering knowledge to students throughout the year. Still we are shown this attitude. The University is functioning in a ‘wonky’ way and the sad part is that nobody talks about it.”