JOIN USDUTA slams DU diktat to cut a day's salary
Delhi University officials have sent letters to college principals, deans and department heads asking them to cut a day’s salary of all teachers who participated in the August 28 strike called by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association.
While slamming the notification, DUTA members said they will not cancel their announcement of relay hunger strike starting October 8, unless there is a dialogue with the vice chancellor.
“The teachers’ service conditions are well-defined in the University Ordinances, and the VC has no authority, not even under emergency powers, to take any such action. This letter smacks of the arrogance and authoritarianism that have become the hallmark of the current university administration,” said DUTA president Amar Deo Sharma.
Urging the governing bodies of colleges not to succumb to pressure, Sharma said, “We appeal to the governing bodies of colleges across the university not to become a party to such illegalities. The governing bodies are independent of the VC’s will and must safeguard the right of their teachers to participate in democratic action on legitimate issues.”
DUTA announced an indefinite relay hunger strike citing a deadlock between the teachers and DU officials.
“We don’t see another way of putting forth our demands. There are pending issues, and students and teachers are suffering over mindless changes. We are not against positive reforms. Why do you think the teaching community did not protest when internal assessment was introduced?” said a DUTA member.
Woes at IP University
A teachers’ union formed three years ago and still not recognised by the administration of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprsatha University, has also been trying to get an opportunity to meet their vice chancellor, but in vain.
“We have sent one more notice to the VC, saying that it has been a month that the last letter was sent and there is still no response. If he doesn’t talk to us, we will have no other option but to find other ways for redressal,” said a member of the teachers’ union.
The teachers’ body has now sought legal help on the matter. “I think a notice from the Human Rights Law Network will be sent to the VC in a day or two, asking the VC to address our grievances.
We will be meeting the Union human resource development minister soon to submit a memorandum. We are looking at all these options, and if they get exhausted without any response, a protest is not ruled out then,” said the member.