The presidential candidate fielded by Left-affiliated Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) in the biennial Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) elections on Thursday won by a margin of 261 votes on Friday. This is the fourth consecutive term that the DTF will be at the helm of the teachers’ association in DU.
Rajib Ray, a professor of Philosophy at Kirori Mal College, confirmed his presidential seat with a decisive margin of 2,636 votes. He defeated V.S. Negi of the National Democratic Teachers’ Front (NDTF) who polled 2,375 votes. The election this year recorded a polling of approximately 7,200 votes.
‘Historic victory’
Even as Professor Ray said the victory was a historic one considering the present state of affairs, the DTF said in a statement, “The DTF has won at a time when the Central government has chosen to unleash the worst possible set of policy changes based on a blueprint prepared by the NITI Aayog. The election victory is a mandate to defend the rights and dignity of teachers.”
Referring to the fourth consecutive win, the statement added, “It is a testimony to the DTF’s commitment to an honest and uncompromising struggle on issues of collective interest, which has been recognised by the teachers.”
Autonomous colleges
On the issue of constitution of autonomous colleges within DU, Prof. Ray said, “The DUTA has already articulated its opposition to this scheme. Autonomous colleges is a scheme of promoting self-financing courses. This will only lead to a greater control of managements and will only make education expensive for students. This will adversely impact teachers’ service conditions and working environment. We are committed to taking the issue to the students and parents to draw their live support to our movement.”
