DUTA criticises UGC chief

After a full commission University Grants Commission (UGC) meeting on the Delhi University’s contentious four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) called for its review, the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) accused UGC chairperson, Ved Prakash of letting an ‘illegal course’ run. 

The teacher group said it would galvanise support from Delhi MPs and leaders of various political parties to demand ‘strict action’ against UGC chairperson. 

According to sources, the UGC meeting held on Friday had deemed FYUP ‘illegal’ because the university didn’t seek visitor’s – the President of India’s – approval six months prior to the commencement of the programme. 

“We appreciate the UGC’s candid acknowledgement of the fact that by not seeking visitor’s approval six months prior to the commencement of the programme, DU had violated the UGC Act,” said DUTA president Nandita Narain. 

DUTA said the controversial programme is against the National Policy of Education, which allows for a three-year undergraduate degree in Humanities, Commerce and pure Sciences. 

“It is clear from the deliberations held in the full commission meeting of the UGC held on Friday, that the FYUP is being made to run illegally in Delhi University,” the teacher body said in a press statement.

“This offers sufficient cause to the Visitor to intervene using his powers under the Delhi University Act,” DUTA said. 

DU law

Section 31 (6) of the Delhi University Act says, “The Visitor may, at any time after an Ordinance has been considered by the Court, signify to the Executive Council his disallowance of such Ordinance, and from the date of receipt by the Executive Council of intimation of such disallowance such Ordinance shall cease to have effect.”

Narain said the DUTA has already sent an ‘extensive’ representation to the visitor and sought an appointment with him.