CDLU profs request five-day workweek for academic and mental well-being

A group of 63 professors from Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU) in Sirsa has formally requested the university administration to implement a five-day working week starting from the 2025-2026 academic session.

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The professors have addressed their letter to the Vice-Chancellor and the chairman of the executive council, highlighting the advantages of a shorter workweek. They argue that a five-day schedule will improve academic performance, mental health and overall well-being for both students and faculty.

The professors based their request on University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines from July 18, 2018, which allow universities to adopt a five-day workweek while still meeting the required 180 days of teaching. Several state universities in Haryana, such as the CRSU, Jind, MDU, Rohtak, and GJU, Hisar, have already implemented this structure.

They believe that an extra day off will give faculty and students more time for research, improve student engagement and attendance and reduce stress and burnout. It would also help improve productivity and focus during academic sessions. Additionally, they point out the environmental benefits, such as reduced commuting and energy consumption.

The professors also raised concerns about the current system where non-teaching staff followed a five-day week while teaching staff worked six days. They have assured the administration that they are willing to work extra hours during weekdays to ensure that students do not face any academic loss. They believe this change will create a healthier, more productive learning environment for everyone.

Dr Rajesh Bansal, Registrar, CDLU, said that they had received the request from the professors for a five-day workweek. He said once VC Prof Narsi Ram Bishnoi arrived at the university, a decision would be made on this matter. He also said the schedules of other universities regarding this will be checked during this time. It is worth mentioning that the CDLU does not have a full-time Vice-Chancellor yet. Currently, the Vice- Chancellor of GJU, Hisar, Prof Narsi Ram Bishnoi, has been given the additional charge of the CDLU.

Meanwhile, the new Vice-Chancellor of the CDLU, Prof Narsi Ram Bishnoi, has begun enforcing a strict policy regarding the university’s attendance system. Reports indicate that he has been closely monitoring the attendance of contractual teaching and non-teaching staff. On Monday, he addressed the senior officers, instructing them to review the attendance registers of the contractual staff through videoconference. However, some of the staff pointed out that while the move to check attendance was beneficial for accountability, the absence of checks for permanent professors and officers raised concerns. A demand has now been made to ensure their attendance is also monitored.