Entry of Foreign Universities - Statement by AIFUCTO (Jan 12, 2023)

The All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (AIFUCTO)

Patna /New Delhi

Dated: 12.01.2023

PRESS RELEASE

Entry of Foreign Universities: A blow to constitution. AIFUCTO decides Black badge protest program across the country on 14th Feb,2023.

The draft regulations on entry of foreign universities is a serious blow to the educational ethics enshrined in our constitution. The policy will harm, dilute and destroy public funded higher education system of country making road for higher education more corporatized and marketized. The retrograde decision is a shattering blow to our inclusive system of education. The policy of reservations and the principle of social justice will find a natural death. The proposed red carpet treatment at the cost of our state/central universities will also have serious repercussions on the souvenir status and distinct plural cultural identity of our nation. AIFUCTO National Executive Body met in virtual mode in the dangerous background and decided to retaliate with united force. AIFUCTO is critical of mindless reform proposals by the government of India with a retrograde and undemocratic mind set. Neither the view of all the stake holders including AIFUCTO was heard nor our open suggestions in prayer, petition and protest have been accepted. NEP2020, we feel ,is an imposition on the collective wisdom of the nation. AIFUCTO has been constantly opposed many of the reform program in the sphere of higher education such as blending mode of learning /teaching system, four years under graduate program, academic bank of credit, dual degree, multiple entry /, exit,, common universities entrance test etc. The last nail in the coffin of public funded higher education systems is the draft regulations on entry of foreign universities and the proposed National Digital University and Higher Education Commission. AIFUCTO being disillusioned and dissatisfied with the attitude of central government and their determination to ignore the constitutional value of education has decided to intensity the struggle. In the first step there will be country wide black badge protest by the members against all mindless educational reforms on 14th February 2023.

AIFUCTO also reiterate its demand for restoration of old pension scheme, filling of all vacancies in teaching and non- teaching and regularisation of services of ad hoc and contract teachers across the country. If central Government did not respond our protest and democratic voice, the plan and program for a bigger and more united struggle will be decided in the academic conference schedule to be held at Kurukshetra University, Harayana from 17th March to 19th March 2023 to Save Education, Save Campus and Save Nation.

Kind request for publication

Prof. Keshab Bhattacharaya, AIFUCTO President Prof. Arun Kumar AIFUCTO General Secretary