On Attacks on DUTA President by DU Authorities

COMMUNICATION

The CCTAD notes with concern and condemns the repeated attacks on Dr Nandita Narain, the President of the DUTA, by the DU authorities and St. Stephens College. The attempt is to weaken the democratic body of the Delhi University teachers, the DUTA, by obstructing its functioning. The latest attempt to initiate proceedings against her by the Principal, St. Stephens College only shows how the DU authorities and College together are gravely undermining the democratic right of freedom of association in the Delhi University.

Dr Nandita Narain is the elected President of the Teachers’ Association and in the course of her work has taken stands and carried out democratic actions, on behalf of the DUTA. Differences with her should be sorted out in the framework of negotiation, dialogue and a healthy respect for the teachers and indeed the academic body’s right to freedom of expression and dissent. Dr Nandita Narain has displayed extraordinary professionalism in the course of her work, even taking classes outside the classroom when strikes have been organised so that the students did not miss out on their studies. A similar spirit of professionalism should be displayed by the various authorities in the Delhi University in conducting the affairs of the University.

We appeal to the University authorities to uphold constitutional rights and act with reason and in a spirit of dialogue. At this crucial juncture when the university systems as a whole are facing a crisis, this spirit could be valuable in taking the process of reforms in higher education towards a meaningful direction.

Dr Manpreet Kang, President, CCTAD, 9818137477      
Dr Poonam Bhusan, Secretary, CCTAD, 9013575877