DU teachers plan evaluation boycott

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has said that teachers of Delhi University (DU) will start an evaluation boycott as their long-standing demands have not been met.

DU students are currently taking their exams. An evaluation boycott will delay results causing a problem for final-year students looking to apply for further studies.

In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi listing their demands, DUTA president Rajib Ray wrote: “We wish to express our dismay and anguish over the fact that most of the issues of teachers remain unresolved even after more than two years since you [the V-C] assumed office. Teachers have been waiting for appointments, promotions and pensions but unfortunately, there is no movement on these issues.”

No outcome

DUTA alleged that DU has been setting up committees as routine procedure without any outcome. “Routine matters remain pending and regular meetings of statutory bodies are not being convened. The delays are affecting the day-to-day academic work and lives of teachers, karamcharis and students,” said DUTA.

Some of the issues the teachers highlighted are delays in filling up of faculty posts, no promotions since 2008, autonomy of colleges and failure to deal with sexual harassment complaints among others.

“We have had several action programmes to highlight these demands but none of the issues have been resolved. This has compelled us to call for evaluation boycott. We demand that DU take concrete steps towards resolution of these problems,” said DUTA.

It also urged the V-C to meet them over the issues at the earliest.