Duta boycott to continue till June 11

Delhi University Teachers’ Association on Tuesday decided to continue its ongoing boycott of evaluation of undergraduate examinations till June 11. The DU teachers have been protesting against the new UGC criteria to ascertain their academic performance since last fortnight.

The DU teachers had initially called for a four-day boycott beginning on May 24, which was further extended till June 2 and then till Tuesday. However, the Duta was decided in a general body meeting to continue its boycott till June 11. The protesting teachers will organise a Kaali Patti March from Mandi House till the Union HRD ministry on June 10.

“It was decided unanimously that teachers were left with no option but to continue with the evaluation boycott till June 11. The general body (meeting) also decided to take out a protest rally to the HRD ministry on June 10, wearing black sashes around their heads to highlight the crisis in higher education,” a Duta statement said.

The Delhi University teachers are protesting against the new University Grants Commission gazette notification that altered workload requirements for college teachers. Thousands of teachers marched to the Duta office after the general body meeting which was held on Tuesday in Khalsa College to decide the future course of action.

“The march spoke about the commitment to roll back the third amendment. The AAD demands a complete rollback of the API and job cuts. The government has no concern for the genuine demands and is using every possible tactic to sabotage the agitation. By raising certain issues there has been attempt to divide the teachers,” said Rajesh Jha, a Duta member.

“There is a need to be vigilant against such designs by those who are helping MHRD in weakening the movement. Given the current scenario of inaction and non-committal responses from the government, the Duta may be forced to consider drastic measures like the boycott of the admissions process. Now, Mr Deependra Hooda, MP and chief whip of the Congress party, has assured us of his full support,” he added.