Demanding implementation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations 2018, Academic Council (AC) members of Delhi University (DU) blocked the Vice-Chancellor (VC) office for the second consecutive day. The regulations were about the pending promotions of the teachers, allotment of maternity leave for the ad-hoc teachers and others. The UGC also asked the varsities to implement the regulations within six months.
“Every university or deemed to be university, as the case may be, but not later than six months of the coming into force of these regulations, take effective steps for the amendment of statutes, ordinances or other statuary provisions governing it, so as to bring the same in accordance with these regulations,” states the clause 1.2 of UGC regulations 2018.
The protesting AC members said that they will continue the protest till the Varsity implements the regulations.
“Members are demanding the tabling of report of the committee formed on regulations 2018 in September 2018. The regulations were notified on 18th July, 2018 and subsequently a 20 member committee was formed by the University to frame Ordinances and statues as per UGC regulations. Prof D.K .Singh is the chairman of the Committee. But the Varsity is not taking any action,” said Pankaj Garg, member of AC council.
The protesting members further said that, “VC did not meet AC members as promised by him on Wednesday in the academic council meeting. Consequently AC members have continued sit in council hall to register their protest against the dictatorial attitude of the University. UGC Regulations are to be adopted by the University within six months of the gazette notification and relevant amendments made in the Ordinance to make it effective for implementation.”
Currently, there are around 4000 teachers working in the Delhi University whose promotions are pending.
“Adopting these regulations at the earliest will give a breath of fresh air to the faculty of DU who feel stagnated for more than a decade waiting for promotions and permanent appointments. More than 10 meetings of the committee were held in 2and a half months and report was submitted on 28th November. Even then also the VC is not taking effective steps which are also an insult to the UGC,” said an AC member.