DU mandates advance permission for faculty attending external seminars

The Delhi University (DU) has introduced a new approval mechanism for faculty planning to participate in academic seminars and conferences outside the campus, making advance permission mandatory.

Under the new norms, teachers have to apply at least two months before the event and attach the full research paper, invitation letter and event details. Conferences organised by private or non-university bodies will undergo an extra layer of scrutiny to verify credibility.

The change comes in the backdrop of a recent disagreement involving a faculty member who was denied travel clearance for an international conference after reportedly declining to submit the draft of his presentation. Until now, DU faculty had greater freedom to attend or present at academic forums without prior content vetting.

The policy has triggered debate across departments. While some faculty members say the move may bring transparency, many view it as “excessive control”.

“It feels like academic judgement is being replaced by bureaucratic review,” said a DU professor, calling the process time consuming and restrictive. Another faculty member said the rule could adversely affect opportunities, especially when invitations come with short notice.