Ten organizations unite against BJP-backed outfit in polls conducted by DU teachers’ association, according to Delhi News.

10 Teachers’ Organisations Unite to Challenge NDTF in DUTA Elections

In the upcoming Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) elections, about 10 teachers’ organisations have joined forces to challenge the National Democratic Teachers Front (NDTF) backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The DUTA elections are scheduled to be held on September 27.

Alliance Nominates Candidates for DUTA President

The Democratic Teachers Union alliance has nominated Aditya Narayan Misra as their joint candidate for the position of DUTA president, whereas the NDTF has nominated Dr AK Bhagi as their presidential candidate.

Promoting Regularisation of Ad-Hoc Teachers

Dr AK Bhagi, the NDTF candidate, stated that their aim is to regularise ad-hoc teachers, promote teachers, and provide regular grants to the 12 Delhi government-funded colleges. The NDTF has pushed for the regularisation of permanent appointments of teaching staff during their previous tenure in DUTA.

Aditya Narayan Misra’s Agenda

Aditya Narayan Misra, the joint candidate for the Democratic Teachers Union alliance, emphasized the regularisation of ad-hoc teachers as one of their main agendas for the academic session. Misra has been teaching Political Science at DU since 1986.

Alliance Formed by Ten Organisations

The alliance challenging the NDTF in the DUTA elections has been formed by ten organisations, including DTF, AADTA, INTEC, Common Teachers’ Front (CTF), Delhi Teachers’ Initiative (DTI), Independent Teachers’ Front for Social Justice (ITF-SJ), Samajwadi Shikshak Manch (SSM), Voice of DU Adhocs, AADTA, and several teachers.

Issues Highlighted by the Alliance

The alliance has raised concerns about the adoption of graded autonomy category 1 status for Delhi University, as it allows the university to open new academic courses, centers, skill courses, and research parks, which could lead to hiring on a self-finance basis.

Existential Crisis and Policy-Driven Efforts

The DUTA elections this year take place amidst an existential crisis facing Delhi University and public higher education in the country. The alliance claims that there have been policy-driven efforts to undermine public higher education, particularly centered around the NEP 2020.

Non-Release of Funds to DU Colleges

On Friday, Finance Minister Atishi expressed displeasure over the non-release of Rs 100 crore to Delhi government’s 12 fully-funded DU colleges, as approved in June. Atishi stated that the funds have not reached the colleges, despite one and a half months having lapsed.

• The DUTA elections will witness a challenge to the NDTF backed by the BJP, as ten teachers’ organisations unite.
• The Democratic Teachers Union alliance has nominated Aditya Narayan Misra, while the NDTF has nominated Dr AK Bhagi for the position of DUTA president.
• Dr AK Bhagi aims to regularise ad-hoc teachers and provide regular grants to Delhi government-funded colleges.
• Aditya Narayan Misra’s agenda includes the regularisation of ad-hoc teachers.
• Ten organisations have formed an alliance to challenge the NDTF in the DUTA elections.
• The alliance opposes the adoption of graded autonomy category 1 status for Delhi University.
• The DUTA elections occur amidst an existential crisis and policy-driven efforts to undermine public higher education.
• Funds approved for fully-funded DU colleges have not been released, causing dissatisfaction.