VC refuses to meet GNDUTA delegation

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 10

The Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers Association (GNDUTA) has alleged that GNDU VC Dr AS Brar refused to meet a delegation of its executive committee here today.

Meanwhile, the GNDUTA in a press release described the gesture of the VC as a blatant refusal which generated resentment among the staff.

They said it was the violation of their democratic rights and a mockery of the teachers’ body elected under provisions of the university calendar.

It claimed that as per a written notice and prior information, the executive committee delegation of the GNDUTA visited the Vice Chancellor’s office on January 10, 2017, at 12 noon. But on its arrival at the office, the security staff locked the main gate of the VC’s office to prevent its entry.

“Now, the GNDUTA has decided to approach and apprise the Chancellor of GNDU-cum-Governor of Punjab, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab, Chief Election Commissioner, besides the district authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police,” said the release.

It asked: “Can the public office of the Vice-Chancellor be locked as and when the VC desires to do so?”

Even in the previous year, the GNDUTA sent several letters to the Vice-Chancellor requesting a meeting for some urgent matters but there was no response. After the last letter was sent on September 5, 2016, the executive committee visited the VC office on September 20, 2016, but on that date also the VC locked the main gate of his office and refused to meet the committee. These antics of avoidance have been followed ever since and no useful discussions could be held for the redressal of demands of the teachers.

The association warned that these developments led to widespread resentment and anger among the teaching faculty and the situation could take a violent turn any time. The teachers are simmering with discontent.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor said he did not visit the office in the forenoon as he operated from the camp office since the akhand path of Guru Granth Sahib was underway at his residence. Besides, no prior appointment was taken by the GNDUTA. Otherwise, the same could have been conveyed, he said.