85.5 pc voter turnout in DU Teachers’ Association polls – ThePrint – PTIFeed
New Delhi, Sep 27 (PTI) A total of 85.5 per cent of 9,500 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) elections held on Wednesday in which the prime contenders are the RSS-backed National Democratic Teachers Front (NDTF) and the Democratic United Teachers’ Alliance (D.U.T.A.).
This time, around nine teachers’ organisations from different ideologies have formed an alliance named ‘Democratic United Teachers’ Alliance’.
The alliance includes groups like Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), AAP-backed Academic for Action and Development Delhi Teachers’ Association (AADTA), Indian National Teachers Congress (INTEC), Delhi Teachers’ Initiative (DTI), Samajwadi Shikshak Manch (SSM), Common Teachers’ Front (CTF), Independent Teachers’ Front for Social Justice (ITF-SJ) and ‘voice of DU Ad hocs’.
The DTF has won five consecutive elections before 2021, while the NDTF was the winner of the DUTA election the last time around (in 2021). The polling began at 10 am, and ended at 5.
On Wednesday, a total of 8,187 eligible voters voted.
The NDTF has fielded AK Bhagi, who had won the president’s post in teachers’ body polls last time. Aditya Mishra, a joint candidate of the D.U.T.A and NDTF, was fielded by them.
Mishra, who held the post of president of Delhi University Teacher’s Association president for three terms, said their alliance has emerged as “a formidable force” to safeguard the rights of teachers at the varsity.
He alleged that the DU has taken a loan of several crores of rupees and the varsity’s financial burden may have a direct impact on students.
Mishra said the aim of the alliance of nine teachers’ groups is to unite for securing the institution’s future.
“DU has incurred a loan of Rs 1,100 crore, a financial burden that is likely to have a direct impact on students. It’s unprecedented in the history of DU to witness nine teacher organisations uniting for the common goal of securing the institution’s future,” Mishra told PTI.
V S Negi, general secretary of NDTF, told PTI, “Teachers will support AK Bhagi this time as well. The alliance formed by teachers’ associations from different ideologies is only spreading negativity. Out of the 3,000 newly appointed teachers, 2,200 were ad-hocs. We will press that their experience as ad hoc be counted as part of their services.” Highlighting the issues of the teachers amid the election, DU professor Rahul Kumar alleged that the DU teachers have faced troubles due to delayed promotion and salaries.
“Promotions, salary increments for teachers delayed due to government funding issues. Equally distressing is the fact that teachers are not receiving their pensions,” he alleged.
Ruby Mishra is a teacher of chemistry at Deshbandu College. She claims that the government has frozen new appointments for a long time, which leaves many teachers who have been in their positions for a considerable period of time, uncertain.
“Colleges are struggling financially, making it difficult to meet payroll obligations,” Ruby Mishra added.
Another professor, who teaches at Motilal Nehru college, claimed that the roles and responsibilities of teachers are “under threat” as they lack autonomy in course structure and syllabus.
“We have no control over exam schemes. It is important to address the issue of teacher displacement within universities. Faculty members are not protected by regulations or security. We advocate for permanent positions and job security, especially for guest teachers,” he said.
“Many faculty members have dedicated 10 to 15 years to the university, and job security is the least we can request,” he added. PTI ABU SLB CK CK
This report is automatically generated from PTI’s news service. ThePrint does not hold any responsibility for the content.