DU colleges conducting interviews; many ad hoc teachers being selected: VC Yogesh Singh on DUTA strike

NEW DELHI: Reacting to Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) strike on absorption of ad hoc teachers today, the University vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh said that colleges are conducting interviews and many teachers are being selected. Singh asked the teachers not to strike.

“There is not one but 10 demands of these teachers. 14-15 colleges are already conducting regular interviews and many ad-hoc teachers are being selected as well. Nobody needs to strike,” DU VC said today in a press conference.

DU teachers held a strike today demanding the retention of ad hoc teachers. The strike came amid reports of "displacement" of ad hoc teachers in DU colleges such as Deshbandhu, Ramjas and Lakshmibai as well as the Department of Commerce and Psychology, a DUTA executive member said.

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"In consistent with DUTA resolution passed in its executive meeting held on 30 September 2022, all Delhi University colleges witnessed an entirely successful strike to strongly oppose the unfair displacement of working ad hoc teachers and also vehemently demand the retention of all the displaced ad hoc teachers," the DUTA said in a statement. In the strong-worded statement, the DUTA made it categorically clear that it will leave "no stone unturned to protect the jobs and dignity of serving ad hoc teachers".

DUTA will organise a press conference on October 11, and meet officials of the University Grants Commission (UGC) on October 13. "In case our demands are not met, public and student awareness programmes through mobilisation will take place on October 14 and 17, followed by a total strike call on October 18, 19 and 20," the DUTA said.

Meanwhile, DU's School of Open Learning (SOL) introduced six new job oriented courses including MBA, BBA in financial investment analysis, Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), BA (Honors) economics, Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences (BLISc), and MLISc.

(with inputs from PTI)