Ambedkar University Delhi teachers’ protest enters seventh day; silent march held

NEW DELHI: The protest of Ambedkar University Delhi Faculty Association entered its seventh day at the university campus today. The teachers are demanding a better work environment, transparency and dialogue, and better career opportunities, among other concerns.

The AUDFA has said that it submitted a charter of demands to the Ambedkar University administration on August 17. The charter, which was endorsed by 110 out of 136 regular faculty members, highlights the deterioration of the university on several parameters, including worsening work environment, targeted harassment, lack of transparency and dialogue, stagnating careers, and dilapidated infrastructure, the teachers’ union added.

Also Read | AUD Delhi faculty members hold protest; demand safe infrastructure, 'respectful' work environment

“We are particularly critical of bureaucratic logjams within the university that cause immense delay and non-functioning of the university, and the lack of functional autonomy in schools and centres,” the AUDFA said. The teachers’ union has highlighted lack of clarity on service rules and norms that are being employed for payment of medical benefits to the teaching community. It has also opposed the university’s interpretation of University Grants Commission’s (UGC) rules for faculty promotions.

Condemning the decision to issue 38-day period contracts to non-teaching staff of the university, AUDF said the move is unconstitutional, and demonstrates the apathy of the administration.

Today, the AUDFA carried out a silent march across the Kashmere Gate campus of Ambedkar University. It said the teachers have participated in the protest without causing any disruption to academic activities on AUD campuses.