DU EC forms panel to discuss addition of MoE representative
The development comes despite several faculty members submitting a communique against the same. The members have submitted the dissent note twice, on Monday and on October 10.
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“Out of 48 Central Universities, 20 have included a representative of the Ministries in their EC, while 28 …do not currently have any such representation,” the ministry letter said. (File Photo)Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh has constituted a committee to discuss the inclusion of a Ministry of Education representative as a member in the varsity’s Executive Council (EC), said an official statement. The decision was taken during the university’s EC meeting held on Monday.
The development comes despite several faculty members submitting a communique against the same. The members have submitted the dissent note twice, on Monday and on October 10.
The Indian Express had earlier reported that the MoE had “requested” universities to take “necessary steps to amend their statutes” to comply with the proposal. “Out of 48 Central Universities, 20 have included a representative of the Ministries in their EC, while 28 …do not currently have any such representation,” the ministry letter said.
A statement from DU on Monday said, “The Vice Chancellor has constituted a committee on the proposal regarding inclusion of Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education, Government of India or his nominee as a member in the Executive Council. This committee will submit a report to the Vice Chancellor after discussing all aspects of this issue.”
Reacting to the issue, Academic Council member Maya John said: “… this draconic measure, if implemented, poses a serious threat to academic freedom, and marks yet another attack on the institutional autonomy of centrally-funded Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). On 20.08.2024 for example, the MoE issued a notice to universities such as Delhi University directing them to include a nominee of the MoE in their executive councils.”
“Addition of a representative of the Ministry of Education in the EC is unacceptable as this would increase the interference of the Government in day to day decision making…” wrote EC member and Professor Aman Kumar in his dissent note.
The other matters approved by the EC Monday include extension of lease of land allotted to Maurice Nagar Police Station by Delhi University for next 10 years, advanced diploma courses in Korean language to be started in Ramjas College, certificate course in Chinese language, diploma in Korean language and diploma courses in Japanese language to be started in Hansraj College. Advanced diploma courses in Chinese language and Japanese language will also be started in Ram Lal Anand College.
The Strategic Plan 2024-2047 — a document that lays out plans for the university for the next 25 years — despite plagiarism allegations from several AC members from other institutions was also passed.
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