Delhi University councils urge govt action amid financial crisis in 12 state-funded colleges

New Delhi, August 22

The Academic Council and Executive Council of Delhi University (DU) convened a joint meeting on Thursday to address the ongoing financial crisis affecting 12 state-funded colleges.

The councils expressed serious concerns over the delay in the release of salaries, which has left many faculty members unpaid for three to four months.

Ensure release of funds

It is imperative that the government approves all teaching and non-teaching posts ex-post facto and ensures the timely release of both recurring and non-recurring funds, including deficit funds. — Aman Kumar, executive council member

Aman Kumar, an executive council member, stated, “The house has unanimously agreed to accept the Sri Prakash Committee report and initiate a dialogue with the Delhi Government. It is imperative that the government approves all teaching and non-teaching posts ex-post facto and ensures the timely release of both recurring and non-recurring funds, including deficit funds.”

Kumar, representing the Congress Teachers’ wing, INTEC, further demanded the immediate abolition of the current pattern of assistance and the appointment of a senior lawyer to represent the university in court cases. “The Delhi Government has failed to sustain these 12 fully funded colleges. Education Minister Atishi must resign for her role in this failure,” he added.

Megh Raj, an Academic Council member also from the INTEC group, called for a white paper detailing the Delhi Government’s fund release to the 16 colleges that are only 5 per cent funded by the state. “The council is deeply concerned about the mismanagement and urges transparency in the allocation of funds,” Raj said.

In addition to financial matters, the council addressed the issue of PhD candidate allocation, especially concerning college teachers. The council has formed a committee to draft guidelines to ensure proper allocation, aiming to resolve the ongoing concerns in this area.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to rectify the situation, stressing the urgency of financial stability and proper governance in the state’s educational institutions.