Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) held a protest at the Faculty of Technology on Wednesday, opposing a memorandum sent to 34 faculty members. The memo demanded explanations for their absence during the first 90 minutes of the new academic session, which began recently. DUTA described the memorandum as "arbitrary," "stigmatic," and "coercive," calling for its immediate withdrawal.
What Led to the Protest?
The academic session for 2026-27 at Delhi University started just a day before the protest. On that day, the Faculty of Technology issued a memorandum to 34 teachers, asking them to submit signed written explanations for not being present between 9 am and 10:30 am on the first day. The memo emphasized the importance of attendance on such a significant academic day and warned that failure to comply or providing unsatisfactory explanations could lead to disciplinary action.
The memorandum set a deadline of 5 pm the same day for the explanations. It stated that any failure to respond or an unsatisfactory reply would be treated as a serious administrative lapse and could be referred to the university's competent authority for further action under Delhi University's rules and regulations.
DUTA’s Response and Concerns
DUTA reacted strongly against the memorandum. In a letter addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Technology, the association demanded that the memo be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. They argued that the communication violated the dignity of teachers and ignored principles of natural justice.
The association criticized the memo’s tone, saying it presumed guilt before any investigation. They described the directive to submit detailed signed explanations under threat of disciplinary action as stigmatic, implying that the teachers were guilty unless proven otherwise. DUTA emphasized that such a stance undermines the respect and self-worth of the teaching staff.
V S Negi, DUTA President, highlighted the irony of the memo’s timing, noting it was issued on Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to honoring teachers across India. He called the move humiliating and damaging to academic morale, especially coming from a prestigious institution like Delhi University.
Ongoing Protest and University Response
Following the issuance of the memorandum, DUTA representatives met with the Dean to request its withdrawal. However, the meeting ended without any commitment from the administration to retract the memo. In response, DUTA organized a dharna (sit-in protest) at the Faculty of Technology, where teachers gathered to defend their dignity, self-respect, and rights.
The association stated that the protest would continue until the university administration withdrew the memorandum unconditionally. They urged the university to stop using coercive tactics and instead respect the teaching community's contributions and rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the Faculty of Technology issue the memorandum?
A: The memorandum was issued to 34 teachers who were absent during the first one-and-a-half hours of the new academic session, seeking explanations for their absence and warning of disciplinary action if they failed to respond satisfactorily.
Q: What are the main objections raised by DUTA?
A: DUTA objects to the memorandum’s tone and approach, calling it coercive and stigmatic. They argue it presumes guilt without investigation, violates teachers’ dignity, and undermines trust and morale within the university.
Q: What actions has DUTA taken in response?
A: DUTA demanded the immediate withdrawal of the memorandum, met with the Dean without success, and launched a dharna at the Faculty of Technology, which will continue until the memo is retracted.
