In bid to oppose the grant of autonomy to colleges, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA) on Thursday protested outside Delhi University’s (DU) St. Stephens College.
A University Grants Commission (UGC) committee was scheduled to visit the North Campus college, pertaining to the granting of autonomy to the college. “Prior to this visit, 44 out of 56 permanent teachers currently in Delhi had submitted representations to the UGC Chairperson opposing the grant of autonomy to the college. With the near unanimous rejection of the grant of autonomy by all sections of stake-holders, it is expected that the Committee will give a report not recommending the grant of autonomous status to St. Stephens College,” said Rajib Ray, DUTA president.
“Students and karamcharis have also expressed their grievances. The entire University community has demonstrated its united opposition to the fragmentation and privatisation of DU through graded autonomy and autonomous college which will lead to self-financing courses, fee hike and autocratic managements,” he added.
Madhurima Kundu, secretary of AISA’s DU wing said, “It is Stephens today and next will be Hindu College. It is also interesting how mandir yahin banega was scribbled just a few days before the visit on the chapel to communalise the environment.” and take away attention from the real issue of financial autonomy.”
‘Evaluation Boycott’
While the DUTA observed a “Evaluation Boycott” for a second consecutive day, the AISA has launched a signature campaign against the grant of autonomy.
